Sultan Ibrahim confident of stronger Malaysia-Jordan ties with Abdullah II’s visit

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 12 — Sultan Ibrahim has expressed optimism that Malaysia and Jordan will deepen their bilateral cooperation in various sectors to benefit their respective peoples. Upon welcoming King Abdullah II of Jordan for a two-day state visit to Malaysia, Sultan Ibrahim emphasized the enduring friendship between the two nations, rooted in shared values, mutual respect, and a commitment to their respective royal institutions and heritage.

He highlighted the rich lineage of the Jordanian royal family, tracing back to Prophet Muhammad, and the significant role played by the Johor Sultanate in shaping Malay customs and traditions grounded in Islamic values.

Despite their distinct historical and cultural backgrounds, the two royal houses have preserved their heritage, upheld their institutions, and served their people across generations. Sultan Ibrahim shared a personal bond with King Abdullah II, forged through their military training experiences, adding a unique dimension to their friendship.

Economically, Sultan Ibrahim welcomed the continued growth of bilateral trade, noting that Malaysia's established halal ecosystem could complement Jordan's strategic location. Furthermore, Malaysia's expanding industrial base offered prospects for Jordanian investment. He expressed hope that enhanced business-to-business ties would yield tangible benefits for both countries.

In the realm of education, Sultan Ibrahim welcomed the increasing cooperation between Malaysian and Jordanian students studying in each other's countries. He also encouraged Jordanian officials to avail themselves of training and knowledge-sharing initiatives under the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP), which would strengthen educational ties and develop the skills and expertise of the younger generation and public officials.

King Ibrahim expressed concern over the ongoing conflict in West Asia, which threatened Jordan's security. He reiterated Malaysia's call for all parties to avoid escalation and work towards an immediate end to the fighting. Regarding Palestine, Sultan Ibrahim praised Malaysia's appreciation for Jordan's role in safeguarding Jerusalem's holy sites and its continued support for the Palestinian people, a cause close to the hearts of both nations.

Sultan Ibrahim expressed confidence that King Abdullah II's visit would mark another significant milestone in building a stronger and forward-looking partnership for the benefit of future generations.