Iran Reaffirms Commitment To Strengthening Ties With Malaysia, ASEAN

By Rohani Mohd Ibrahim

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 8 (Bernama) -- Iran has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Malaysia, expanding economic collaboration, and deepening engagement with ASEAN.

Iranian Ambassador to Malaysia, Valiollah Mohammadi Nasrabadi, highlighted the long-standing and cordial ties between the two nations, emphasising their shared cultural, religious and economic interests.

“As a Muslim country, Malaysia has a special place in Iran's foreign policy.

“The relations between the two friendly and brotherly countries of Iran and Malaysia have been close, cordial and effective since the beginning of their diplomatic relations,” he said in his speech during the reception of the 46th anniversary victory of the Islamic Revolution of Iran here Friday. 

Representing the Malaysian government, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu attended the reception.

Valiollah said Iran and Malaysia have seen positive developments in trade and economic exchanges, with increased participation in each other’s exhibitions and growing cooperation in international forums such as BRICS, the D-8, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

“Both Malaysia and Iran have a lot of capacity in various sectors such as agriculture, industries, trades, education, technology and tourism, which strengthens the ground for the expansion of bilateral cooperation.

“Here, I would like to emphasise once again the determination of the Islamic Republic of Iran to develop its relations with Malaysia more than ever before,” he said

The ambassador expressed Iran’s readiness to support Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship in 2025, welcoming the recent Iran-ASEAN Cooperation Conference in Tehran, which was co-organised with the Malaysian embassy to explore opportunities for deeper collaboration.

On regional affairs, he stressed that Iran and Malaysia share common positions, particularly in supporting the Palestinian cause.

"Iran and Malaysia are among the top countries that have provided significant assistance to the people of Gaza and Palestine during the recent war," he said.

Despite the lack of direct flights, Valiollah said tourist exchanges between Iran and Malaysia remain strong.

He expressed optimism that the re-establishment of direct flights between Tehran and Kuala Lumpur would significantly increase tourism flows in the near future.

He also pointed out that cultural and religious similarities have brought Iran and Malaysia closer beyond economic ties.

"The Iranian Film Festival will be held in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Johor Bahru from Feb 20 to 23. I invite all guests to experience Iranian cinema and culture," he said.

Malaysia and Iran established diplomatic relations in 1970, when Malaysia opened its embassy in Tehran. Iran later reciprocated by opening its embassy in Kuala Lumpur in 1981.

-- BERNAMA