King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia said Riyadh is prepared to support the initiatives undertaken by Putrajaya to help fellow Muslims.

"We want to stress that generally the Saudi Arabian government will always assist in whatever matter to benefit Muslims and help Muslims universally.

"We are ready to extend assistance and all resources that we have to help Malaysia realise its efforts to help other Muslims," he said in his speech at a banquet at Istana Negara tonight in honour of his state visit to Malaysia.

The Custodian of Two Holy Mosques spoke in Arabic which was translated into Bahasa Malaysia at the banquet which was hosted by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Muhammad V.

The ceremony was part of programmes on the first day of the four-day state visit of King Salman Abdulaziz to Malaysia, his first visit to this country since ascending the throne on Jan 23, 2015.

Also present at the banquet were Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak and wife, Rosmah Mansor, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and cabinet ministers.

Former prime minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was also in attendance.

Meanwhile, King Salman Abdulaziz said he was very happy and proud at the level of progress and cooperation achieved in all fields between Saudi Arabia and Malaysia.

"We hope the cooperation can be continued for the benefit of both countries."

King Salman Abdulaziz also expressed his highest appreciation and thanks to the Malaysian government and the people of Malaysia at the grand welcome and cordial treatment accorded to him.

- Bernama