KETIBAAN SULTAN JOHOR DISAMBUT MERIAH DI BAHRAIN - 26 NOV 2017

Johor Sultan arrives in Bahrain for three-day official visit

 Ahmad Fairuz Othman,New Straits Times 14 hours ago 

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MANAMA, Bahrain: Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar has arrived on Sunday for a three-day official visit to the country at the invitation of Bahrain's King Hamad Isa Al Khalifa. This is the ruler's first visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain since ascending the throne seven years ago. He is also the first Malaysian monarch to visit Bahrain in 17 years. The visit is significant not only for Johor, but also for Malaysia as it will greatly help in efforts to forge stronger ties with the Kingdom of Bahrain. The island nation with a 1.31 million population is located on the Arabian Gulf and is known for its diversified economy and a civilisation which dates back 5,000 years. Sultan Ibrahim's private jet arrived at the Bahrain International Airport at 12.50pm (5.50pm Malaysia time). The Johor delegation comprises 12 state officials, captains of industries and leaders from Johor government-linked companies. The ruler was also accompanied by his son Tunku Temenggong Johor Tunku Idris Sultan Ibrahim. They were welcomed by Bahrain Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al-Khalifa, Malaysian Ambassador to Bahrain Agus Salim Yusof, and Governor of the Muharraq region Salman Isa Hindi. Many streets and landmarks in Bahrain's capital Manama were decked in both flags of Bahrain and Johor to mark the visit. More than 3,000 to 4,000 school students were seen welcoming the Johor ruler while waving the state flags of Johor and Bahrain and shouting "Welcome to Bahrain!" They lined the route towards the Shaikh Hamad Palace, where a state welcoming ceremony was held. The Johor state anthem and Bahrain national anthem were played before Sultan Ibrahim inspected a guard of honour. King Hamad said in a welcoming speech that the visit will expand upon the strong ties between Malaysia and Bahrain, which were cemented further during his visit to Malaysia in April this year.

More than 3,000 to 4,000 school students were seen welcoming the Johor ruler while waving the state flags of Johor and Bahrain and shouting "Welcome to Bahrain!." They lined the route towards the Shaikh Hamad Palace, where a state welcoming ceremony was held. Pix courtesy of Royal Press Office

"We greatly welcome His Majesty's visit to Bahrain and we welcome further visits for future works and to meet our common aspirations. "We commend your country for maximising on your national achievements, which we had witnessed first-hand at the time of my visit. They are remarkable," said King Hamad. The Bahrain ruler presented Sultan Ibrahim with the kingdom's highest award, the Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifah Order of Honour. Sultan Ibrahim said in a speech that he was extremely appreciative of King Hamad's invitation to the kingdom, and extended an invitation for King Hamad to visit Johor at any time. He then presented The First Class of the Most Esteemed Order of the Johor Royal Family (DK I) to King Hamad. The DK I is only given to members of the royal family, monarchs and sovereigns. "This Order was instituted in 1886 and it is a token of our strong brotherhood between the Kingdom of Bahrain and Johor," said Sultan Ibrahim. The Bahrain royal family members and officials later hosted a state banquet for Sultan Ibrahim and the Johor delegation. About 100 guests attended this state banquet. Among highlights of the Johor ruler's visit will be when he grants an audience tomorrow to Bahrain Prime Minister Prince Khalifa Salman Al Khalifa. Sultan Ibrahim will also meet with Bahrain's Minister of Interior Lt Gen Shaikh Rashid Abdulla Al Khalifa at the latter's ministry. Sultan Ibrahim and the Johor delegation will also attend a briefing at the Bahrain Economic Development Board. On Tuesday, the Johor ruler is expected to meet and greet Johoreans living in Bahrain during a tea session at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay. Among those in the Johor delegation are Johor Council of the Royal Court president Datuk Abdul Rahim Ramli, Johor Council of the Royal Court secretary Datuk Abdul Latif Yusof, Johor deputy state secretary Ramlee Abdul Rahman, Johor Corporation president and chief executive Datuk Kamaruzzaman Abu Kassim, and Iskandar Regional Development Authority chief executive Datuk Ismail Ibrahim. © New Straits Times