PM Anwar Arrives in Saudi Arabia to Boost Cooperation, Kindle New Ties

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has arrived in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, yesterday as part of his three-day official visit to the kingdom, according to a press release from the Prime Minister’s Office of Malaysia on the same day.

This marks Anwar’s first official visit outside the ASEAN since being elected the 10th Prime Minister of Malaysia on Nov. 24, 2022.

The prime minister safely landed using a special aircraft at the Royal Pavilion of King Abdulaziz Airport at 6:40 AM AST (11:40 AM in Malaysia). He arrived with his wife Datuk Seri Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir, and Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil.

Jeddah Governor Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi Al Saud greeted Anwar with a parade as part of the official welcoming ceremony. Anwar is scheduled to meet with the King of Saudi Arabia, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, and Crown Prince Mohammed Salman Abdulaziz Al-Saud, also Prime Minister, at the Al Salam Palace.

The visit aims to discuss further opportunities that will benefit both countries related to “existing issues and cooperation in addition to exploring various new forms of cooperation.”

On the same day, the prime minister, together with his wife and the delegation, performed umrah in Mecca.

“Praying for prosperity for the people and the country as well as our efforts to make Malaysia strong again and blessed by Him, Insha’Allah,” he posted on Facebook.