RIYADH: Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and wife, Puan Sri Noorainee Abdul Rahman, were greeted upon arrival here tonight by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Salman Abdulaziz Al-Saud.
Prince Mohammed is also Saudi Arabia's deputy prime minister and defence minister.
Muhyiddin's plane landed at King Khalid International Airport here at 8.25pm Monday, local time (1.25pm today in Malaysia).
Muhyiddin and wife had earlier performed the umrah in Makkah and visited Madinah after arriving in Jeddah on March 6.
The visit is part of his four-day official visit to Saudi Arabia.
Also at the airport tonight (March 8) to welcome Muhyiddin and wife were Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein and wife Datin Seri Tengku Marsilla Tengku Abdullah.
In Makkah, Muhyiddin was granted access inside the Kaabah, an honour given to state leaders, heads of government and eminent Muslim figures.
Muhyiddin is accompanied by a small delegation comprising Hishammuddin and senior officials from the Prime Minister's Office and the Foreign Ministry.
Hishammuddin who arrived in Riyadh earlier yesterday, said this was the first time that Prince Mohammed had personally welcomed the head of government on arrival.
"It was not in the original itinerary. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has made the decision himself.
"The whole airport will be closed as the Crown Prince wanted to welcome the Prime Minister there," he said.
The prime minister's visit to Saudi Arabia (March 6-9) is at the invitation of King Salman Abdulaziz Al-Saud, extended in April last year.
Muhyiddin is the first foreign head of government to be invited by King Salman to undertake an official visit to Saudi Arabia following the historic Al Ula Conference on Jan 5.
Muhyiddin's official programme will take place at Al-Yamamah Palace, Riyadh today.
This will include an official welcoming ceremony by having a virtual audience with King Salman, a meeting with the Crown Prince a signing ceremony of Memoranda of Understanding, as well an official luncheon.
Muhyiddin is scheduled to depart for the United Arab Emirates after the official event at Al-Yamamah Palace.
In the UAE, the official programme will take place in Abu Dhabi and Dubai on March 10. This will include meetings with the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; and UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. - NST
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