Iran, Malaysia Discuss Strengthening of Economic Ties

Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi and Malaysian Foreign Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir have discussed the expansion of economic relations.

In a meeting with the visiting Malaysian FM, Raisi described the long-term strategic cooperation plan between the two countries as drawing new horizons in the interactions between Iran and Malaysia, the Iranian president’s official website reported on August 22.

"We hope that by preparing and formulating this plan, we will be able to experience untraveled paths, especially in increasing relations and economic exchanges," Raisi said.

He also pointed out the very good capacities of the two countries, the necessity of developing bilateral relations, especially in the commercial, industrial, agricultural, science and technology, and cultural sectors.

For his turn, the Malaysian FM also described Iran as a very important partner of his country in the region and the World of Islam, emphasising that his country will never recognise the cruel US sanctions against Iran.

Abdul Kadir called for the development and strengthening of bilateral relations with Tehran, especially in the fields of agriculture, medicine and science and technology.

At a meeting with the Malaysian FM on the same day, Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said that Iran sought to establish "effective" relations with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Qalibaf also called for resolving the problems with air transport between the two countries in order to facilitate travels by businesspersons and tourists.

The Malaysian minister said: "The Inter-Parliamentary Union and parliaments of Iran and Malaysia can find ways to resolve problems, including the sanctions."

Abdul Kadir also met his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian. They discussed bilateral, regional and international issues, reached an agreement for prisoners’ swap, and concluded economic agreements.

Amir-Abdollahian said countries in the Middle East are increasingly prioritising "indigenous" security, meaning that they prefer to maintain regional stability themselves rather than use outside forces. He also saw a new phase in regional relationships based on "strategic development".

Malaysia also agreed to set up a joint economic commission, according to the Iranian minister.

The two foreign ministers previously met in Baku in July on the sidelines of the meeting of the top diplomats of the Non-Aligned Movement’s member states.

Iran is the eighth-largest trading partner of Malaysia and the 11th-largest exporter among West Asian countries. The total trade between the two countries last year saw an increase of more than 40%.