Bahrain’s King HM Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa arrived in Kuala Lumpur on a four-day official visit at the invitation of Sultan Muhammad V, Bahrain News Agency (BNA) reported.
He also held talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Muhammad Najib Abdul Razak on strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in all fields. The two sides will also spotlight regional and international developments and issues of mutual interest.
Upon arrival at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Bahrain’s King was welcomed by Malaysian Defense Minister, Head of Mission of Honor, Hishammuddin Hussein, Deputy Foreign Minister Reezal Merican Naina Merican, Bahrain Ambassador to Thailand Adel Youssef Sater and Malaysian Ambassador to Bahrain Ajus Salim Haji Yusof.
“Our visit to this brotherly country, which has courageous and supportive stands regarding the issues of the Islamic nation in various international forums, is a good opportunity to exchange views on regional and international issues to serve our common interests and support stability and peace in the region and the world,” King Hamad said.
Receiving Malaysian Defense Minister and Head of Mission of Honor, Hishammuddin Hussein at his residence in Kuala Lumpur, King Hamad reiterated Bahrain’s keenness on strengthening military cooperation and exchanging expertise.
During the audience which was attended by a number of Malaysian Army Commanders, he expressed the hope that his current visit would contribute to strengthening cooperation on all levels, especially military affairs and training.
He hailed the pivotal role of Malaysia and positive contribution to serving regional and international security and stability and strengthening cooperation under the Islamic Alliance for combating terrorism and extremism. Regional and international developments and issues of mutual interest were also discussed.
The Malaysian Defense Minister hailed the successful royal visit which, he said, reflects growing cooperation on all levels, expressing thanks and appreciation to HM the King for his keenness on strengthening military and defense ties.
King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa also paid a visit to the Headquarters of the Command of the Malaysian Armed Forces, as part of his visit to Malaysia.
Upon arrival, along with Malaysian Defense Minister and Head of Mission of Honor, Hishammuddin Hussein, King Hamad was welcomed by Chief of the Malaysian Army, General Raja Mohammad Affandi Raja Mohammad Noor, the Commander of the Malaysian Army’s 10th Brigade (Para), the Commander of the Land Forces and a number of Senior Commanders.
The national anthems of the two countries were played, and then HM King Hamad inspected the guard of honor.
The military parade, carried out by Special Forces in addition to the participation of artillery, paratroopers and infantry, included various skills, and showcased the combat ability and efficiency of the participants.
The Commander of the 10th Para Brigade conferred on King Hamad the Maroon Beret of the National Special Operations Force (NSOF) and the Honorary Paratrooper Wings. The Army Chief and the Defense Minister presented King Hamad commemorative gifts. King Hamad also presented commemorative gifts to the Malaysian Defense Minister.
