February 3, 2006

A GRANDIOSE RECEPTION AND FRUITFUL RESULTS OF THE CUSTODIAN OF THE TWO HOLY MOSQUES' VISIT TO MALAYSIA. KING ABDULLAH IBN ABDUL AZIZ AL SAUD RECEIVES AN HONORARY DOCTORATE IN ISLAMIC DEVELOPMENT AND THE FIRST ROYAL MEDAL OF DISTINCTION FOR THE PROMOTION OF UNITY OF THE MUSLIM NATION. THE KING REVIEWS WITH THE MALAYSIAN LEADERSHIP BILATERAL RELATIONS, ENHANCING MUSLIM COOPERATION, FIGHTING TERRORISM AND THE ECONOMIC FILES. THE CUSTODIAN OF THE TWO HOLY MOSQUES CALLS FOR TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE INVESTMENT SYSTEMS IN SAUDI ARABIA AND MALAYSIA. Custodian of the two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz arrived in Kuala Lumpur at the start of a state visit to Malaysia lasting several days in response to an invitation from King Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail of Malaysia. At Kuala Lumpur International Airport, King Abdullah was received by Malaysian Premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and other officials. Then, at the headquarters of the parliament, King Abdullah was awarded an official reception where he was received by the King of Malaysia and other officials. The official delegation accompanying King Abdullah includes Prince Saud Al-Faisal, the Foreign Minister; Prince Moqrin Ibn Abdul Aziz, Chief of General Intelligence; other princes, ministers and senior officials. Malaysian ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Dr Ismail al-Haj Ibrahim has welcomed the visit of the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz to Malaysia, and said the Kingdom has earned a great respect at all arenas, notably at the arenas of the Muslim countries. In a statement to SPA, the ambassador said the Saudi-Malaysian relations are deep-rooted, and added that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia had played a significant role in the spread of Islam in Malaysia. 'The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been receiving Malaysian students at its schools and universities for studying the Holy Quran and the Islamic sciences, and these graduates from the Saudi schools and universities have played an important role in the spread of the Islamic sciences in Malaysia', he elaborated. The ambassador noted that during the visit of King Abdullah to Malaysia a number of topics pertaining to the strategic partnership between the two countries, notably in the commercial, cultural and educational domains will be reviewed. Moreover, he said issues pertaining to combating terrorism, and means for enhancing dialogue among civilizations, in line with Makkah declaration, issued by the extraordinary Islamic Summit, recently held in Makkah, will be reviewed. The ambassador said the Saudi-Malaysian business council will hold a meeting in Kuala Lumpur to explore means for cementing economic cooperation between the two countries. He pointed out that the volume of trade exchange between the Kingdom and Malaysia jumped from $989 million in 2003 to $1761 million in 2005. The ambassador expressed appreciation for the facilities and services being extended by the Saudi Government to the Malaysian pilgrims. Malaysia's King Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail held a dinner party in honor of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz Al Saud. Upon arrival at the Palace, King Abdullah was received by the Malaysian King and Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. In a visit book, King Abdullah expressed his thanks to the Malaysian King, government and people for a warm welcome and generous hospitality, wishing them steady progress and prosperity. Then the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Malaysian King exchanged memorial gifts on this occasion. In a welcome speech, the Malaysian King hoped that the visit of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz Al Saud to Malaysia will bring about mutual benefits for the two countries. The Malaysian King noted that discussions will further enhance bilateral relations and cooperation for the mutual interest. He said that during the visit, two agreements on the avoidance of double taxation and prevention of tax evasion relating to taxes on income and an agreement on scientific and cultural cooperation in the field of higher education will be signed. The Malaysian King believed that the existing Joint Commission is one of the important mechanisms that should be further enhanced. He also called for the enhancement of regular exchange of visits, discussions between leaders and senior officials and people in the private sector. The King said, ''We also understand that Your Majesty's Government is currently trying to attract foreign investment in the efforts to develop the economic and social sector of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In this regard, we are happy to note that Malaysian private sector has responded well to this, including a Malaysian consortium that will develop the Independent Water and Power Project ( IWPP) Shuaiba III Project and another Malaysian construction company's involvement in the construction of King Faisal University in Riyadh. In addition, we understand a few other companies are also involved in infrastructure and industrial projects in Saudi Arabia.'' He hoped that Saudi and Malaysian products will be easily accessed in their respective markets. The Malaysian Monarch welcomed the Kingdom's accession to the World Trade Organization. He expressed his appreciation of the important and active role played by the Saudi government at the international arenas to promote peace, stability and prosperity. On his part, King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz expressed pleasure of visiting Malaysia. He described the development experience of Malaysia, which combined between the pillars of Islam and modern requirements, as a pioneering one that deserves to be followed. He said Saudi Arabia is gearing forward to establish a real partnership with Malaysia in all fields. Also we look forward to working with all Islamic countries, including Malaysia, to put the resolutions of the Extraordinary Islamic summit, which was held in Makkah last year, into force. He thanked the King of Malaysia, his government and people for the warm welcome and generous hospitality accorded to him and his delegation during their stay in Malaysia. The Saudi-Malaysian business council held a meeting to discuss issues pertaining to the strategic partnership between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Malaysia. Discussions at the meeting covered the role that could be played by Jeddah-based Islamic Development Bank (IDB) in enhancing reciprocal investment between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Malaysia in addition to means for establishing an investment center for the Saudi and Malaysian businessmen. Meanwhile, the council reviewed means for marketing palm oil and real estates in Malaysia. The Saudi side at the meeting briefed the council on King Abdullah Economic City and the expected promising investment horizons of the City. The Saudi side at the meeting was led by Dr Ghassan al-Suleiman, while the Malaysian side was led by al-Tensari Razzak Ramli. It is worth mentioning that the Saudi-Malaysian business council and the Saudi-Malaysian friendship society aim at enhancing friendship between the Saudi and the Malaysian people as well as the development of cultural, economic, educational, social and sports relations between the two countries. Saudi and Malaysian businessmen have signed agreements for five giant economic projects on the sidelines of the current state visit by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz to Malaysia. Dr. Ghassan Al Sulaiman of F. Capital Bank and Datu Mohammad Ali bin Hashim of Johar Group co-signed an agreement to establish an investment fund for mutual strategic projects at a capital of SR750 million. The second agreement at a cost of SR375 million was co-signed by Ghazi Al Shalhoob, Chairman of the Saudi Arabian Television plant, and Zein Al Abideen Mohammed Salih of Malaysia's M. Mobile company to carry out technological development on Saudi mobile industry. On the other hand, three agreements to implement joint ventures between the two countries were signed. The cost of the first one amounted to SR 1000 million, the second SR75 million and the third SR 30 million. Malaysia's Minister of Foreign Affairs Syed Hamid bin Syed Jaafar Albar expressed his pleasure of the current visit to Malaysia by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz and the positive results it has achieved. In remarks to the press, he said that Malaysia was looking forward to this visit, the first by a Saudi king since late King Faisal's visit 40 years ago. He stated that Saudi Arabia and Malaysia are partners in different political and economic fields, noting that a number of agreements have been signed for the benefit of the two countries and Islamic nation. He hoped that the relations between the two brotherly countries could develop further, especially in the fields of economy and investment. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz Al Saud and Malaysian Prime Minister Datu Sirri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi co-chaired the official talks session held at Badawi's palace in Putrajaya, Malaysia. At the outset of the meeting, Badawi welcomed the monarch in Malaysia, expressing his pleasure and that of the Malaysian government and people of the visit. He said the visit would contribute to further enhancing the historic and strong relations between the two countries. He congratulated the king on his leading role to make the recently-concluded Makkah Extraordinary Islamic summit a real success. "You are visiting Malaysia, not only as King of your country, but also as an important Islamic leader for us and for the Islamic world", Badawi told King Abdullah. On his part, King Abdullah thanked the prime minister for his warm welcome and generous hospitality, describing Malaysia's Prime Minister as sincere to his religion, country and Islamic Ummah (nation) and Malaysia as rich through the achievements and honorable deeds of its men. Concluding his speech, King Abdullah wished Malaysia's leadership well. Then the two leaders witnessed the signing ceremony of a number of agreements between the two countries. Saudi Minister of Finance Dr. Ibrahim Alassaf and his Malaysian counterpart Senator Tan Sirri Nor Mohamed Yakcop co-signed an agreement on evading dual taxation on income and preventing tax evasion between the two countries. On the other hand, the Saudi Minister of Culture and Information Iyad bin Ameen Madani and Malaysia's Minster of Higher Education Dr. Haj Shafie bin Haj Mohamed Saleh co-signed an agreement on scientific and cultural cooperation between the two countries. Then Badawi gave a dinner party in honor of the King. The function was attended by King Abdullah's accompanying delegation and Malaysian government senior officials. Saudi Ambassador to Malaysia Mohammed Ridha Abu Al-Hamayil said that the current visit of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz Al Saud to Malaysia embodies a comprehensive vision for further development of relations between the two countries. He noted that the visit resulted in signing a number of agreements between businessmen and expanding partnership between the Kingdom and Malaysia. The Saudi Ambassador pointed out that great investment opportunities and new investment laws in the Kingdom have led Malaysian businessmen to invest in Al-Shuaiba Project whose costs amount to more than SR 2.4 billion. He indicated that the King's visit to Malaysia will contribute to developing cultural, information, educational and political relations along with the development of manpower resources. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz Al Saud and Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi graced a ceremony of Saudi-Malaysian Friendship Society and Saudi Chambers Council held under the patronage of Malaysian government within the framework of the King's visit to Malaysia. A speech ceremony was held on this occasion. On behalf of Dr. Ahmad Ismail, Head of Malaysian Side at Joint Saudi-Malaysian Business Council and Chairman of Malaysian Islamic Chamber of Commerce, his Deputy Mohammed Ali bin Hashim emphasized the importance of the visit that will have a long term effect on the further development of relations between the two countries. On his part, Dr. Fahd bin Salih Al-Sultan, the Secretary General of Saudi Chambers Council pointed out that the King has given priority to economy within his reform program, noting that Saudi economy has been comprehensively and scientifically restructured to be compatible with the data of globalization in addition to placing stress on the enhancement of partnership and friendship between the Kingdom and its friends in all continents. Dr. Al-Sultan added that agreements worth SR 2, 235 million were signed between Saudi and Malaysian business sectors. He indicated that the volume of investment opportunities that will be submitted in the Kingdom over the next 15 years amounting to $ 624 billion to enhance economic partnership between the Kingdom and its friends. In his speech, the Malaysian Premier emphasized the utmost importance of the King's visit for further enhancement of bilateral relations between the two countries. He congratulated the Monarch on his wisdom and dynamics in leading the Muslim nation. Premier Badawi commended Saudi-Malaysian Society, describing the current status of bilateral relations as excellent and he noted that the volume of trade and investment has been greatly growing. The Malaysian Premier called for the development of investment opportunities into joint projects, adding that Malaysian investors are looking forward to economic opportunities in the Kingdom particularly in infrastructure and other fields. Addressing the ceremony, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz expressed his pleasure over attending this ceremony of elite businessmen from the two countries, commending their efforts being exerted to deepen economic partnership between the two brotherly countries. ''You know that Saudi and Malaysian economies are passing a stage of great growth and prosperity. There are many available opportunities that should be exploited to enhance economic relations and contribute to the prosperity of the two countries,'' the King said. The Monarch added that the two governments have performed their duty in binding the legal and legislative framework that opens the door to investment, calling on businessmen to take the initiative and remove any obstacles on the way of cooperation and the establishment of joint projects based on providing raw materials in the two countries. King Abdullah affirmed the two governments' support for the businessmen, wishing them all success. The King attended a lunch party held in his honor. The party was attended by the official delegation accompanying the King. Then the King and the Malaysian Premier received memorial gifts on this occasion. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz Al Saud received an Honorary Doctorate in Islamic Development and the First Royal Medal of Distinction for the Promotion of Unity of the Muslim Nation awarded to him by the International Islamic University of Malaysia. Upon arrival at the venue, the King was received by Sultan Haj Ahmad Shah of Pahang and the University's Constitutional head; Malaysian Minister of Higher Education Dr. Haj Shafie and a number of the University's officials. A speech ceremony was held on this occasion. Sultan Haj Ahmad Shah said in his speech that this is an eternal and historical occasion to award the highest medal and degree to a unique and distinguished leader. In a citation, the University's Director Dr. Mohammed Kamal bin Hassan said that King Abdullah has been recognized not only in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia but also in the Arab and Islamic nations as a leader dedicated to ensuring that his country has a continued future and development while preserving past achievements. In his acceptance speech, the King thanked the University's officials for their decision to award him the Honorary Doctorate and the Royal Medal. The Monarch said that the Islamic message came as a mercy for all mankind, adding that the spirit of Islam has all meanings of mercy and love. Some individuals have deviated to extremism to an extent of crime and bloodshedding. Islam has nothing to do with these individuals and their ugly criminal acts, the King said. The Monarch noted the great responsibility of the University for implanting in people quantitative integration among belief, science and morality at a time when the concepts are mixed and standards are varied. The King thanked the University, wishing it all success in its noble mission. Then the King and Sultan Haj Ahmad Shah exchanged memorial gifts on this occasion. The awarding ceremony was attended by the delegation accompanying the King. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz left for Islamabad at the end of his official visit to Malaysia. His visit to Malaysia came in response to an invitation from Malaysian King Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Syed Putra Jamalullail. King Abdullah was seen off at Kuala Lumpur International Airport by Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah bin Ahmad Badawi, Minister of Foreign Affairs Syed Hamid bin Syed Jaafar Albar, and a number of senior officials.