Malaysian Ambassador Zainol Rahim Zainuddin

Malaysian Ambassador Zainol Rahim Zainuddin expressed on Wednesday optimism regarding his posting in Saudi Arabia, saying there are great potentials in further strengthening bilateral ties.

The Malaysian Embassy marked the country’s 58th National Day at the Sheraton Hotel on Wednesday night. It was put off on Sept. 16 because of Haj.

“Saudi Arabia is a premier post for any diplomat worth his salt and I consider my assignment here a challenge to make bilateral ties scale greater heights,” the Malaysian envoy told Arab News in an interview.

He added: “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is an important country for us. I will take the opportunity of working hard for the two countries to achieve more for their mutual benefits and their respective people(s),” Zainuddin said.

Alauddin Mohd. Nor, minister counselor and deputy head of mission, was also present during the interview at the ambassador’s office at the Malaysian Embassy.

The Malaysian envoy said that traveling between the two countries has greatly changed during the last 70 years.

“In the 1950s, Malaysian pilgrims traveled to the Kingdom’s holy cities for three weeks by ship. That’s no longer the case. Traveling now lasts just a number of hours by air,” he said.

For this reason, he intends to facilitate traveling between the two countries by adding more carriers plying the Malaysian-Saudi air route.

“At present, talks are underway with another airline. There’s nothing final but we’re upbeat about it. We’re keeping our fingers crossed that a third airline will materialize,” he said.

The airline he’s referring to is a joint venture between Malaysia and a neighboring country in Asia, adding that a third airline will be of great help in the movement of travelers on the Saudi-Malaysian route.

He noted that the number of travelers had increased over the years. They include 22,000 pilgrims who performed Haj this year, the 130,000 Saudi tourists who traveled to Malaysia in 2014, the 5,000 Malaysians in Saudi Arabia and the 2,500 Saudis studying in various universities and colleges in Malaysia.

At present, there are two airlines connecting the two countries. They are Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) and Malaysia Airlines.

Airlines could also facilitate the movement of products and help increase the trade volume between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia, which touched $4 billion in 2014.

Malaysian exports included manufactured goods, palm oil, electrical products worth $2 billion, while its imports from Saudi Arabia consisted mainly of oil also worth close to $2 billion.

He also expressed hope that more Saudi tourists will visit Malaysia as the country “offers great attractions that include breathtaking scenery, relaxing and picturesque resorts and invigorating sea, sand and sun.”

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