King, Malaysian Premier hold talks; agreements signed

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa today held a meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Muhammad Najib Abdul Razak and reviewed historic relations and ways of bolstering industrial, trade, economic, investment, educational, military and defence cooperation. 
Prime Minister Abdul Razak earlier received HM the King at his headquarters and welcomed his visit to Malaysia. In a statement he wrote in the VIP Guest Book, HM the King hailed the strong stances adopted by Malaysia in advocating Islamic causes and interests, as well as keenness on building good relations with Bahrain. 
HM the King paid tribute to Malaysian leadership, Government and people for the gracious welcome and genuine hospitality, reiterating Bahrain's keenness on bolstering bilateral relations. HM the King expressed the hope that his visit would contribute to strengthening economic and investment partnership and benefiting from Malaysian know-how and landmark scientific and technical strides. 
He underlined Bahrain's potential, strategic location in the region, deep-rooted history and reputation as a hub for trade and tertiary services, in addition to attractive incentives and streamlined business-friendly procedures for investors.
The King commended landmark Malaysian industrial and economic strides and pioneering role in the Asian and international arenas, which turned the country into an acknowledged powerhouse, hailing its stance in support of Bahrain. 
The Malaysian Premier hailed the royal visit which, he said, would usher in wider horizons to expand cooperation and provide more opportunities to strengthen ties. He paid tribute to HM the King, reiterating his country's keenness on strengthening outstanding relations with Bahrain, particularly in the economic and investment sectors. He hailed Bahrain's fast steps and political, economic, educational and social successes, wishing the Kingdom further progress and prosperity, led by HM the King. 
The two sides exchanged views regarding regional and international developments and highlighted key issues which concern the Islamic world and topics of mutual interest. In this regard, they voiced joint support to the efforts aimed at combating terrorism and extremism and serving security and peace in the world.
HM the King and the Malaysian Prime Minister attended the signing of the following agreements and memoranda of understanding: 
1. Air Services Agreement, signed by Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Khalifa and Transportation Minister Liow Tiong Lai. 
2. Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation and Exchanges, signed by BDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Dheyab bin Saqr Al-Nuaimi and Malaysian Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein. 
3. Memorandum of understanding for cooperation between the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) and the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (NCCI) , signed by BCCI Chairman Khalid bin Abdulrahman Almoayyed and NCCI President Ter Leong Yap. 
4. Memorandum of understanding relating to Upstream and LNG cooperation between the Oil and Gas Holding Company (NOGA Holding) and Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas), signed by Oil Minister Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al-Khalifa and Petronas Chief Executive Officer Wan Zulkiflee Wan Ariffin. 
5. Memorandum of Understanding on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and industry cooperation, signed by Industry, Commerce and Tourism Minister Zayed bin Rashid Alzayani and Malaysian Minister of International Trade and Industry, Mustapa Mohamed.
HM the King and the Malaysian Prime Minister hailed the signing of the agreements and memoranda of understanding which will contribute to strengthening cooperation.
The Malaysian Premier hosted a dinner banquet in honour of HM the King. 

Source: BNA