Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak congratulated Saudi Arabian King Salman Abdulaziz Al-Saud on the second anniversary of his accession to the throne.

Najib said the kingdom's seventh monarch was the symbol of modernisation of a Saudi Arabia that was more open and progressive.

"I represent the people of Malaysia in expressing sincere congratulations to HRH King Salman Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah.

"Indeed, in my mind there is no noble task and responsibility greater than taking care of the two holy cities that symbolise the unity and brotherhood of Muslims worldwide," he said in a video uploaded on his official blog, Najibrazak.com, last night.

Najib said during an official visit to Saudi Arabia in March last year, he clearly saw a king who wanted to bring changes to the Saudi government, especially through Vision 2030.

The vision focuses on three main aspects, namely, society's empowerment, economic development, and becoming a visionary global hub.

"Indeed if we look into history, the bilateral relations between Kuala Lumpur and Riyadh have been established and thriving for decades.

"And we, as a progressive and dynamic Muslim country in the Southeast Asian region are very pleased, because the Malaysian and the Saudi governments have a very clear understanding between them, maintaining the methodology of Ahlus Sunnah wal Jamaah, and having mutual agreement on universal peace as well as rejecting ideologies of extremism and terrorism," he said.

He added that the Saudi government's recognition of the management and administration of Lembaga Tabung Haji Malaysia each year ahead of the Haj pilgrimage, was one of the important things often referred to in strengthening relations between the two countries.

Najib also invited King Salman to visit Malaysia, as it would most certainly bring both countries closer.

"... I pray that he remains in good health, peace, and have a long life on the throne, and have the strength and guidance from Allah to continue to rule the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, particularly in maintaining the well-being of the two holy cities," he said.

-- BERNAMA