Ahmad Farhan Fauzi said Anwar’s three-day visit was “fruitful” and had strengthened bilateral ties between both nations.

Farhan also said that Anwar had a very tight schedule which meant he was unable to meet with other leaders of the Saudi Arabian government.

The prime minister, however, held a meeting with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the World Muslim League in Mecca in addition to witnessing the signing of several important memoranda of understanding involving businesses and industries.

“The Saudi Arabian government wanted to extend the trip so that they could organise meetings with other government leaders,” Farhan, who is Anwar’s political secretary, said in a statement.

However, Anwar had to turn down the offer as he had prior engagements, including breaking fast with the king and official visits to Cambodia and China, Farhan said.

Yesterday, Bersatu’s Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal called for Anwar to inform Parliament about the outcome of his official visit to Saudi Arabia after it appeared that he did not meet with his counterparts there.

Wan Fayhsal, who is Perikatan Nasional’s foreign affairs committee chairman, said the explanation was needed as Anwar did not meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is also Saudi Arabian prime minister, despite a scheduled meeting.