Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa will start a historic visit to Malaysia on Sunday as the first ruler of Bahrain to come here since both countries forged diplomatic ties in 1974, Bernama news agency reported 

Malaysian Deputy Foreign Minister Reezal Merican Naina Merican said the Bahrain ruler will begin his first visit to Malaysia on Sunday until Wednesday since he ascended the throne on May 6, 1999.

"This is part of his series of visits to Southeast Asian nations and he is expected to depart for Brunei after his visit here," he said in press statements. 

Merican noted that the visit which would include members of the royalty and ministers, was at the invitation of his Malaysian counterpart Sultan Muhammad V.

As part of the state visit, Raja Hamad will meet Sultan Muhammad V and be given a state welcome at Parliament House on May 1, and a State Banquet at Istana Negara.

Source: MENA