Malaysian Prime Minister’s Successful Visit to Saudi Arabia

The Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, embarked on a three-day official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from 27th to 29th April 2024. The visit aimed to attend the World Economic Forum (WEF) Special Meeting on Global Cooperation, Growth and Energy Development. It also sought to enhance bilateral relations, and explore cooperation between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia. Accompanying the Prime Minister were prominent figures including the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Aziz, and Foreign Minister, YB Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad Bin Haji Hasan, along with Mr. Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, CEO of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA).

Malaysia and Saudi Arabia share deep historical ties, common affinities, and an established economic relationship. The visit strategically positioned Malaysia as an attractive destination for global and Saudi Arabian business communities. The mission deemed a success, achieving its goal of fostering bilateral investment and benefiting both nations.

A highlight of the visit was a series of one-to-one meetings organised by MIDA with potential investors. Notably, meetings with TotalEnergies SE, a French based multinational integrated energy companies, and Acwa Power, a Saudi Arabian power and energy company, underscored Malaysia’s appeal. These companies were briefed on Malaysia’s strategic advantages, including its progressive economy, strategic Southeast Asian location, and well as well-established infrastructure. The country’s ports, airports, highways, logistics and telecommunications offer a competitive business cost and high return on investments.

The visit was hailed as a triumph, receiving positive remarks from the Kingdom’s leadership – the Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman himself, Saudi ministers and the business community, as well as WEF delegates. This visit reaffirmed Malaysia’s statues as is still a progressive and respected nation, remaining an ideal investment destination, particularly for UAE investors.

• Attended WEF Special Meeting on Global Cooperation, Growth, and Energy Development.
• Enhanced bilateral relations and explored cooperation between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia.
• Successful one-to-one meetings with TotalEnergies SE and Acwa Power.
• Malaysia’s strategic advantages include a progressive economy and well-established infrastructure.
• The visit reaffirmed Malaysia’s status as a progressive and respected nation.