Malaysia-Saudi ties must be strengthened through HLSC - Zulkifli

KUALA LUMPUR: Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Seri Dr Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri stressed that there is a need to strengthen ties between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia through the High Level Strategic Committee (HLSC).

"The close relationship that has been established for sometime now between the two countries must be enhanced through various fields, including religion, economy, trade and so forth.

"Prime Minister's (Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin) visit to Saudi Arabia will foster closer ties between the two nations and provide mutual benefits in terms of economy, Haj and umrah pilgrimage, science, technology and education," he said in an interview with Saudi TV in conjunction with the visit, on Sunday.

In the interview programme Zulkifli also lauded the 'Road to Makkah' initiative launched by Saudi Arabia to facilitate and assist Malaysian pilgrims performing the Haj.

Malaysia and Indonesia were the first countries selected by Saudi Arabia to be included under the initiative.

Zulkifli also expressed his appreciation and gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman Abdulaziz Al-Saud for his efforts and contributions to Muslims and the Islamic world.

Last Saturday, Muhyiddin left for Saudi Arabia for a four-day official visit which was at the invitation of the Saudi Arabian King.

-- BERNAMA