MANAMA: Mahmood Rafique, Editor: The Kingdom of Bahrain and Malaysia bilateral ties in trade, commerce, investment and business has embarked on a new era of excellence, thanks to the high-level official visits between two countries paving the way for creating conducive business climate for the businesses.
This came as the embassy of Malaysia in the Kingdom of Bahrain hosted its National Day Reception in commemoration of two historic milestones in Malaysia’s history: the Declaration of Independence on 31 August 1957 and the formation of Malaysia on 16 September 1963. These occasions, celebrated annually by Malaysian diplomatic missions worldwide, these occasions symbolize the nation’s journey of unity, progress, and shared aspirations.
Ambassador H.E. Shazryll Zahiran and his spouse Mrs. Zuraina Abd Ghani, who welcomed the guests at the national day reception held at the Gulf Hotel, in his welcome remarks said that both countries enjoy fraternal ties which are based on mutual respect, understanding on international issues, strong economic and investment relations as the leadership of both nations leading the way to explore all possible avenues of co-operation for further strengthening the excellent bilateral relations.
This year’s celebration held special significance for the Embassy of Malaysia in Manama, as it coincided with the strengthening of Malaysia–Bahrain relations following the historic visit of HE Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia to the Kingdom of Bahrain in February 2025, and the subsequent visit of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain to Malaysia in May 2025 to attend the 2nd ASEAN-GCC Summit and the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit.
The official visit of the Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, to Bahrain in February 2025 marked a historic milestone, as it was his first official visit as a Head of Government. The visit included audiences with His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, as well as engagements with key ministers. The visit also underscored collaboration in Islamic fintech, education, and new sectors such as semiconductors, cryptocurrency, and digital innovation.
Reflecting the dynamic and rapidly deepening ties between the two nations, another high-level visit took place just months later, underscoring the shared commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation.
In May 2025, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain undertook an official visit to Malaysia to attend the ASEAN–GCC and ASEAN–GCC–China Summits. During the visit, several Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements were signed strengthening cooperation in political consultation, human resource management, industrial development, trade, academic collaboration, and technology.
Earlier in May 2025, Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif, Minister of Sustainable Development and Chief Executive of the Economic Development Board of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, undertook a working visit to Malaysia. Their meetings with Malaysian counterparts and business leaders further reinforced efforts to deepen bilateral economic ties.
Economic relations between Bahrain and Malaysia continue to expand steadily. In 2024, the total trade volume between the two countries reached USD 260 million, with Malaysia’s exports valued at USD 54.8 million and imports from Bahrain at USD 205.6 million. This growth reflects the strong and mutually beneficial economic partnership that both nations continue to nurture.
Moving forward, the Embassy of Malaysia in Manama remains committed to advancing bilateral ties between Malaysia and Bahrain by fostering stronger cooperation in political, economic, cultural, and people-to-people exchanges.
Both countries celebrated the Golden Jubilee of Diplomatic ties last year. In November 2024, Malaysia and the Kingdom of Bahrain celebrated its 50 Years Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations – a partnership founded on trust, mutual respect, and shared values. Over the decades, ties have been reinforced through significant milestones such as the inauguration of the Malaysian Embassy in Manama in 2003, the opening of the Bahraini Embassy in Kuala Lumpur and the establishment of the High Joint Committee Meeting for Bilateral Cooperation in 2017.
The ambassador of Relations were further elevated by the historic visits of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to Malaysia in July 2024 to attend the installation of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim as the 17th King of Malaysia. Only two monarchies were invited to the Installation Ceremony, reflecting the strong ties between these countries. Bilateral cooperation continues to fluorish in diverse fields, including trade, investment, Islamic banking and finance, renewable energy, food security, tourism, higher education, and emerging technologies.
The commemoration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations was graced by H.E. Dr. Ramzan bin Abdullah Al-Noaimi, Minister of Information, and H.E. Ambassador Dr. Isa Nasser Al Noaimi, Undersecretary for Consular and Administrative Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bahrain. The event was also attended by Bahraini officials, members of the diplomatic corps, business leaders, ASEAN representatives, and Friends of the Embassy.
