(Subang, 3rd) The Head of State, Sultan Ibrahim, departed this morning for a state visit to Saudi Arabia until the 6th, in order to strengthen diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The aircraft carrying His Majesty took off from the Subang Air Force Base at 9 am today.
Accompanying His Majesty on the visit are Johor's Second Prince Tunku Idris, Fourth Prince Tunku Abdul Rahman, and Fifth Prince Tunku Abu Bakar, as well as Defence Minister Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin, who is also serving as Minister-in-Attendance.
The aircraft carrying His Majesty took off from the Subang Air Force Base at 9 am today.
Prior to departure, His Majesty received a salute from the Malay Regiment First Battalion guard of honour, commanded by Major Mohamad Fikri Senan. The guard of honour consisted of 4 officers and 103 soldiers, with a 21-gun salute fired and the national anthem played at the scene.
Ministers who saw His Majesty off at the airport included Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Mohamad Na'im, Health Minister Datuk Seri Zulkifli Ahmad, and Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
In addition, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tan Sri Johari Abdul, Attorney-General Tan Sri Mohamad Dusuki, Chief of Defence Forces Tan Sri Mohamad Affendi, and Director-General of Public Service Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan were also present to see His Majesty off.
This visit to Saudi Arabia is historically significant, as it marks the first state visit by the Head of State to the kingdom since the late Sultan Ahmad Shah's visit in 1984.
After concluding the visit to Saudi Arabia, His Majesty will proceed to Bahrain for a state visit before the 6th.