Bahrain King Given State Welcome at Malaysia's Parliament House

KUALA LUMPUR, May 1 (Bernama) -- The Ruler of Bahrain, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, who began his state visit to Malaysia Sunday until May 3, was given a state welcome at the Parliament House here Monday. Malaysian King Sultan Muhammad V welcomed King Hamad, who is on his maiden visit to Malaysia since he ascended the throne on May 6, 1999. Also present were Prime Minister Najib Razak and members of the Cabinet. The ceremony began with the national anthem of both countries played by the Central Band of the Royal Malay Regiment (RAMD) from the Sungai Besi Camp, followed by a 21-gun salute. King Hamad received the honour guard comprising four officers and 33 personnel of the First RAMD Battalion led by Maj Azlan Shan Baharom King Hamad arrived at the Bunga Raya Complex at the KL International Airport in Sepang Sunday night, and was welcomed by Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein. The visit, at the invitation of King Sultan Muhammad V, is the first to be made by a Ruler of Bahrain since the two countries forged diplomatic ties in 1974. This is part of his series of visits to Southeast Asian nations and he is scheduled to depart for Brunei after Malaysia. King Hamad is also scheduled to be conferred the Honorary Maroon Beret and the Honorary Paratrooper Wings from the 10th Para Brigade, before being feted at a State Banquet Monday night. King Hamad will meet the prime minister at Seri Perdana, Putrajaya on Tuesday and attend a dinner later hosted by Najib. King Hamad and Najib are scheduled to witness the signing of several memoranda of understanding (MoU), including agreements on air services and defence collaborations. -- BERNAMA