JOHOR SULTAN ARRIVES IN BAHRAIN
Thousands of students line the route to Shaikh Hamad Palace to welcome Sultan Ibrahim
SULTAN of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar arrived here yesterday for a three-day official visit 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 reigning sultan to visit Bahrain in 17 years.
The visit is significant not only for Johor, but also for Malaysia as it will help in efforts to forge stronger ties with the Kingdom of Bahrain.
The island nation with a 1.31-million population is located in the Arabian Gulf, and is known for its diversified economy and a civilisation that dates back 5,000 years.
The Johor delegation comprised 12 state officials, captains of industry and leaders from state government-linked companies.
Sultan Ibrahim’s private jet arrived at the Bahrain International Airport here at 12.50pm (5.50pm Malaysia time) yesterday.
The ruler was 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.
Streets and landmarks in the capital here were decked in Johor state flags and Bahrain flags to mark the ruler’s visit.
More than 4,000 students welcomed the Johor ruler while waving the 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.
At the palace, King Hamad introduced Sultan Ibrahim to Bahrain Prime Minister Prince Khalifa Salman Al Khalifa and other cabinet members.
The Johor state anthem and Bahrain national anthem were played before Sultan Ibrahim inspected a guard of honour.
In his speech, King Hamad said the visit would boost the strong ties between Malaysia and Bahrain, which were cemented further during his visit to Malaysia in April.
“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.
In his speech, Sultan Ibrahim said he was appreciative of King Hamad’s invitation to the kingdom, and extended an invitation to him 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.
DK I is given only to royalty.
“This order was instituted in 1886 and it is a token of 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 the state banquet.
The highlights of the Johor ruler’s visit include an audience with Prince Khalifa today.
Sultan Ibrahim will also meet with Bahrain’s Minister of Interior Lieutenant-General Shaikh Rashid Abdulla Al Khalifa at the latter’s ministry.
In another session, Sultan Ibrahim and the Johor delegation will attend a briefing at the Bahrain Economic Development Board.
Tomorrow, Sultan Ibrahim is expected to meet Johor folk living in Bahrain during a tea-time session at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay.
The Johor delegation include Johor Council of the Royal Court president Datuk Abdul Rahim Ramli, Johor Council of the Royal Court secretary Datuk Abdul Latif Yusof, Deputy Johor 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.