Malaysia, Arab Saudi agree to finalise SMCC institutional negotiations, says Zambry

PUTRAJAYA (Feb 22): Malaysia and Saudi Arabia agreed to conclude negotiations immediately to institute the Saudi Arabia-Malaysia Coordination Council (SMCC), which will be the main platform for bilateral cooperation in the future, said Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir.

Zambry, who is on an official visit to Saudi Arabia until Feb 23, said the issue was a major topic of discussion held with his Saudi Arabian counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, on the second day of his first trip to the nation. Both sides, Zambry said, agreed to increase bilateral trade, which has recently seen a sharp increase.

“We also agreed to further enhance the exchange of post pandemic visits between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia to strengthen bilateral cooperation from various aspects.

“These include finding space and opportunities through Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which is indeed a very good development agenda to be explored together,” he said in a statement.

Zambry expressed his appreciation to Saudi Arabia for the assistance extended during the Covid-19 and also for the priority and special treatment given by the kingdom to Malaysia for haj and umrah matters.

“InshaAllah, the haj quota for Malaysia will not be cut and will most likely be increased,” he said.

Zambry asserted that Saudi Arabia remains Malaysia’s close ally and that the unity government is determined to continue to look for ways to advance this special connection.

The minister said he believes the meeting with Prince Faisal had opened a new chapter for the relationship between the two countries, while insisting that Saudi Arabia remains Malaysia’s close friend, with the unity government committed to continue exploring every opportunity to take this special relationship to a higher level.

The Saudi Arabian administration has also expressed that it looks forward to Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s upcoming official visit, Zambry added.