Saudis welcome Malaysian stake in construction

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and Saudi Arabia pledged to boost cooperation in various areas and welcomed Malaysian involvement in major construction projects undertaken by the Saudi government ahead of an official visit by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak next month.

The two countries expressed satisfaction with the excellent bilateral ties during a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia over the weekend by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman, said a Wisma Putra statement yesterday.

Anifah called on King Abdullah Abdul Aziz al-Saud yesterday after meeting Saudi Second Deputy Prime Minister Prince Nayef Abdulaziz al-Saud, Finance Minister Ibrahim Abdul Aziz al-Assaf and his counterpart Prince Saud al-Faisal Abdulaziz the day before.

The Foreign Ministry said Anifah conveyed the Prime Minister’s intention to make a visit on Jan 15 and Jan 16, the first official visit by Najib since he assumed the post in April.

Najib had made a working visit to Saudi Arabia in July when he performed the umrah and also called on King Abdullah, who indicated that his country might play a more active role in Islamic banking, Islamic products and services and equity in Malaysia following the liberalisation of the Malaysian economy.

In their meeting, Anifah and the Saudi finance minister expressed their commitment to strengthen cooperation in other areas and the latter stated that Saudi Arabia regarded Malaysia as a model developing country.

The two ministers also discussed Malaysia and Asean involvement with Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

Anifah’s counterpart, Prince Saud al-Faisal, underlined that the Saudi government was interested to cooperate with Malaysia and other Asean countries in food production and exports to the kingdom.

They discussed the Palestinian issue and recent political and security developments in the region that impact on Saudi Arabia and Muslim countries.

They also agreed on the need to better collaborate on issues for the betterment of the ummah. — Bernama


http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/12/29/nation/5376144&sec=nation

May the excellent bilateral ties between the two nations to continue, amin.