Saudi Arabia, Malaysia Keen To Boost Ties: Envoy

Saudi ambassador to Malaysia Mahmoud Hussien Saeed Qattan Tuesday said Saudi Arabia and Malaysia were keen to cooperate and develop their relations in all existing fields of mutual interest, besides exploring new areas of cooperation.

KUALA LUMPUR, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 25th Sep, 2018 ) :Saudi ambassador to Malaysia Mahmoud Hussien Saeed Qattan Tuesday said Saudi Arabia and Malaysia were keen to cooperate and develop their relations in all existing fields of mutual interest, besides exploring new areas of cooperation.

He said the increased cooperation will be beneficial for both the countries and their people.

The envoy the relationship between Riyadh and Kuala Lumpur were based on a strong and solid foundation of historical ties and common interests. The bilateral relations passed several stages of development during previous Malaysian governments' tenures, he added.

"The stage in which Tun Dr Mahathir was prime minister is considered an important and effective stage, as the relations developed significantly in many areas. Relations continued to develop during the previous Malaysian governments," he said in an interview with Bernama in connection with his country's 88th National Day observed on September 23.

Answering a question about Saudi expectation with the new Malaysian government, the ambassador said there was already a partnership, and this would have to be developed, keeping in view historical relations between the two countries.

For example, the both have established trade and economic relations, but these have yet to be fully explored against the high potentials that exist, he said.

Steps are also being taken by the two countries in the fight against terrorism and extremism in line with the principles of tolerance and moderation in islam, he added.

To another question, Mahmoud Hussien said that Malaysia has been invited to participate in the Vision 2030, considering its leading regional role in the fields of investment and trade.

"There are many opportunities offered by Vision 2030, and Malaysia can contribute in this area in order to enhance the existing relations between the two countries." Saudi's Vision aims to diversify the income sources of the country by opening new fields of economy, attracting industries and technology investments, as well as investing in the Kingdom's natural resources, tourist potentials, and human capital, he said.

Mahmoud Hussien noted that the Saudi-Malaysian relations was a long-standing relationship which began centuries ago through trade, pilgrimage (Hajj) and Umrah.

"The actual political relations began through the exchange of diplomatic representation in 1961. Since then, the two countries have not stopped developing relations in all fields that achieve the common interests of the two countries," he said.

The number of Saudi students in Malaysian universities is around 1,500, he said, adding that this indicated the confidence Saudis had in the Malaysian education system.

In 2018, Saudi Arabia offered 300 scholarships to Malaysian students to study in Saudi universities in various scientific fields.

Apart from that, Saudi Arabia has also invested in Malaysia through several ventures including the notable joint venture between Saudi Aramco and Petronas to establish a refinery and petrochemical industries complex in Johor.