Malaysia and Bahrain have denounced terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and reaffirmed their desire to strengthen their cooperation in combating terrorism at both the bilateral level and within the multilateral system of the United Nations.
In a joint statement released in conjunction with the state visit of Bahrain Ruler King Hamad Isa Al Khalifa to Malaysia, both nations also agreed to cooperate in addressing the threat of militancy, not only in the military context, but also through soft power and counter narratives.
"The two sides agreed that terrorism should not be linked to any race, ethnicity or religion," said the joint statement.
The statement said Malaysia and Bahrain acknowledged the important role played by each other in combating terrorism and violent extremism.
Malaysia and Bahrain, according to the statement, agreed to further enhance their defence relations and had signed a Memorandum of Understanding towards this end.
The two side will further explore military-to-military cooperation which includes, but is not limited to, training, exercises, and exchange of military personnel between the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) and the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF), it said.
The two side will also intensify cooperation on information and intelligence sharing on terror networks, and work together to share experiences on dealing with the growing phenomenon of radicalisation, it said.
Malaysia and Bahrain leaders, according to the joint statement, acknowledged the importance of moderation as an approach to promote dialogue, mutual respect, understanding and tolerance to counter all forms of violence extremism.
In this regard, the Malaysian side expressed a desire to encourage collaboration between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Global Movement of Moderates Foundation (GMMF), it said.
The joint statement said Malaysia and Bahrain, noting the potential of their respective economies, agreed to encourage their investors to foster closer economic and trade linkages.
Both side also agreed to use Bahrain's status as a "Gateway to the Gulf" and a hub of Islamic finance, as well as to benefit from the potential of Malaysia being in the heart of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) established in 2015, it said.
"Both sides underscored the importance of strengthening and deepening trade relations and investment cooperation between the two countries and to explore opportunities in light of the Kingdom of Bahrain''s Vision 2030," it said.
Malaysia and Bahrain, according to the joint statement, agreed to revitalise the ASEAN- Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) cooperation and to explore the possibility of holding the ASEAN-GCC Ministerial meeting in 2017.
The joint statement said Malaysia and Bahrain highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation in the field of environment, renewable energy, oil and gas, trade and investment, particularly in the field of small and medium size enterprises, consumer protection, and developing industrial areas.
An air services agreement and four memorandums of understanding (MoU) in the field of defence, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), oil and gas as well as commerce were signed in conjunction with King Hamad''s visit to Malaysia.
Malaysia and Bahrain welcomed the setting up of the Malaysia-Bahrain High Joint Commission to be co-chaired by the foreign ministers of both countries, which would serve as an umbrella framework for bilateral cooperation between the two countries, it said.
"The two sides stressed the importance of continuing regular bilateral consultations through the existing institutional mechanisms," the Malaysia-Bahrain statement said.
According to the statement, the Malaysian side welcomed with appreciation Bahrain's decision to open an Embassy in Malaysia.
The joint statement said King Hamad thanked Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V for the warm and gracious hospitality extended to His Majesty and the members of his delegation.
"He extended his invitation to Sultan Muhammad V and Prime Minister of Malaysia Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to visit Bahrain at a mutually convenient date, which was accepted with appreciation," it added.
--BERNAMA
Bernama
Wed May 03 2017
According to the statement, the Malaysian side welcomed with appreciation Bahrain's decision to open an Embassy in Malaysia.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.