Malaysia Supports Saudi Arabia, GCC’s Peace Initiatives In Bahrain

Kuala Lumpur, March 22 - Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said Malaysia supports the actions of Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries towards achieving peace, reconciliation and long-term stability in Bahrain.

"We fully back all sovereign decisions taken by our GCC allies which have the aim of safeguarding stability and security in the region to ensure harmony and peace for their citizens.

"Malaysia denounces any terrorist-linked group that undermines the stability and security of the country," the prime minister said in a statement here. He made this remark during a meeting with Saudi Arabia's National Security Council secretary-general, Prince Bandar Sultan Abdulaziz Al-Saud, who was sent as a special envoy to deliver several key messages from the ruler of Saudi Arabia, King Abdullah Abdulaziz Al-Saud, on Monday.

Among the issues discussed were security and terrorism in the GCC and Southeast Asia.

The two leaders agreed to denounce all acts of terrorism and terrorist-linked groups "in attempting to incite government instability that threatens national security, harmony and peace for the citizens of both Saudi Arabia and Malaysia."

Prince Bandar also delivered King Abdullah's well wishes to Najib and said that the Ruler was extremely pleased with the close friendship between both countries under the prime minister's leadership, the statement said.

Meanwhile, a potential multi-million dollar economic cooperation package for both countries was discussed, with details to be worked out and announced in due course.

Najib said: "We are pleased with our wide-ranging economic activities with Saudi Arabia thus far and expect to take a major step in further cementing this long-term partnership."

Najib said he was also pleased to note that PetroSaudi distributed an additional cash profit of US$81.5 million to the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) in conjunction with Prince Bandar's visit.