Malaysia and Saudi Arabia, despite the geographical distance separating these two nations, have many common elements underpinning our strong and sound relations. What we differ in cultural and historical background, we make up in areas such as economic, political and social institutions. To this end, Malaysia is keen to further strengthen our bilateral cooperation especially in trade and investment for mutual benefits.
The official visit made by the Prime Minister of Malaysia Dato' Sri Najib Tun Razak in January this year marks the pinnacle of our excellent rapport and Malaysia is greatly indebted to the government of Saudi Arabia for the warm hospitality you extended to our leader which had consequentially contributed greatly to the success of the visit. We appreciate Saudi Arabia's willingness to open doors for Malaysian companies to invest here. It is our earnest hope that more Malaysian companies will be invited to explore more opportunities in other areas in the near future.
I am pleased to note that our bilateral trade has increased in recent years. Saudi Arabia has emerged as Malaysia's top trading partner in the Middle East region with total trade for 2009 standing at RM6,770.1 or SR7.8 billion (US$2 billion). Toward this end, we would like to encourage the private sectors from both sides to work more closely together to enhance trade and investment relations.
Malaysia and Saudi Arabia also share a common aspiration for world peace and prosperity, by combating terrorism and freeing of nuclear propensity, a world that is environmentally clean and rich in biodiversity for the benefit of future generations, and a world that respects diversity and rejects extremism in ideology and dominions. As a step toward achieving these aspirations, both governments will be signing an Agreement on Security Cooperation in the near future, and Malaysia will continue to work tirelessly with Saudi Arabia at various multilateral avenues such as the United Nations to achieve world peace and security from oppression and prejudice.
Closer to home, Malaysia has been playing a role in fostering peace within the ASEAN region. We are actively involved in peace efforts in the southern Philippines and southern Thailand. We will continue to work toward greater progress in the democratization process in Myanmar.
Often, grave injustices are the cause of breaches of peace and threats to security, for instance the situation with our Palestinian brothers that epitomizes everything that is unjust and unfair in international relations. It has taken on a symbolic value that colors cultural and political relations well beyond its geographical scope. Together, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia must do all that we can to address the Palestinian issue, as resolving it will have a major impact on our efforts to achieve peace and security in the Middle East and beyond.
For many, efforts to achieve peace and security begin at a more commonplace level. Given Malaysia's multi-ethnic and multi-religious society, we are especially conscious of the need to continuously promote interaction between people of different religions, races and beliefs. For this reason, the Malaysian government has introduced the "1Malaysia" concept which builds on previous efforts at promoting national unity, yet taking into account present realities. In doing so, Malaysia will rely greatly on the strength of our diverse human capital to fully realize our aim of becoming a developed country by 2020. "1Malaysia" is a testimony to our strength and unity as a multiracial and plural society. Under this umbrella concept, the government is committed to carry out vigorous programs aimed at enhancing its delivery system based on approaches and philosophy 1Malaysia — people first, performance now.
The broader aim of 1Malaysia is to bring the country's multiracial, multiethnic and multireligious people together as "one" to create a united, multiethnic and multireligious people together as "one" to create a united, harmonious, strong and successful nation. In Malaysia, we are living in our multiracial society, and we encourage a sense of friendship and racial harmony amongst the people of Malaysia so that all communities live in the true spirit of tolerance, cooperation, and understanding for the benefit of the people and country. To promote interracial harmony and unity we also encourage all races of different religions to mix around by visiting one another, and we believe that the plurality in Malaysia has united us in the country to live together in harmony and peace.
Indeed both countries have much in common and there is much that we can do together and for each other based on mutual sharing and collaboration. I hope today's auspicious celebration will provide impetus for new innovative ideas to be exchanged between peoples on both sides. I look forward to benefiting from the rest of my stay in Saudi Arabia as the representative of my government to the beautiful country.
I would therefore like to end where I began, with an expression of hope that in light of the greatest challenges ever faced by any generation of men, may Malaysia and Saudi Arabia continue to work together for our mutual benefits as there are a lot of things that we can exchange and share with one another.
