Johor, Bahrain to expand trade ties
MANAMA (Bahrain): Johor and Bahrain are set to explore more cooperation in the fields of oil and gas, tourism, healthcare and education following the official visit of Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar.
This follows a private meeting between the Johor ruler and Bahrain’s King Hamad Isa Al Khalifa and Bahrain Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa yesterday.
The ruler brought a delegation of 12 Johor state officials, captains of industry and leaders of government-linked companies to promote possible tie-ups that could benefit Malaysia and Bahrain.
Among those at the private meeting were Iskandar Regional Development Authority chief executive Datuk Ismail Ibrahim and Johor Corporation president and chief executive Datuk Kamaruzzaman Abu Kassim.
Ismail said the private discussion between the Johor delegation, King Hamad and Prince Khalifa could lead to Bahrain’s involvement in the Iskandar Malaysia development region.
“The discussion was aimed at strengthening relations between Bahrain and Johor, and Malaysia in general.
“Several opportunities can be explored in the economic and social fields by both nations.
“King Hamad expressed his keenness in Iskandar Malaysia’s development. He was interested in finding opportunities for Bahrain to invest in Iskandar Malaysia, particularly in oil and gas,” said Ismail.
He said Malaysia could benefit from this cooperation when it came into effect.
He said Malaysians should explore opportunities to bring more Bahrainian businesses to venture into tourism, education and healthcare products in Johor.
Earlier, Sultan Ibrahim was given a state welcome during his visit to the Bahrain Ministry of Interior.
The ruler was welcomed by Shaikh Abdullah Hamad Al Khalifa, the personal representative of King Hamad, and Bahrain Interior Minister Lieutenant General Shaikh Rashid Abdullah Al Khalifa.
Sultan Ibrahim, accompanied by his son Tunku Temenggong Johor Tunku Idris, watched a march-past by 900 police personnel. By Ahmad Fairuz Othman