KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and President Ebrahim Raisi of Iran have agreed to enhance their countries’ bilateral relations, particularly in the areas of economy, education, science and technology. They also discussed the potential for new cooperation opportunities on the sidelines of the 8th Extraordinary Summit of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) involving members of the Arab League and OIC in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Saturday (Nov 11).
Anwar, also serving as Finance Minister, shared in a Facebook post on Sunday (Nov 12) that the Iranian President welcomed Malaysia’s initiative to strengthen bilateral ties, stating that both countries should play a significant role in the Islamic world.
“At the meeting, the two of us also extended invitations to make an official visit to our respective countries,” Anwar added. “I also reiterated our commitment to holding a Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) between the two countries to fine-tune various fields of cooperation.”
In 2022, trade between both nations amounted to RM3.68 billion, marking a 40.2 per cent increase from the previous year, with oil palm serving as the primary trade commodity.
The two leaders also discussed ongoing attacks and atrocities carried out by the Israeli Zionist regime against Palestine. They expressed mutual agreement that the cruelty committed by Israel against Palestine should be promptly stopped.
“We also support all resolutions adopted by OIC, including the most important one of calling for Israel to immediately implement the ceasefire process. We also urge for more humanitarian aid to be brought into Palestine to help those in need and want OIC to play a bigger role, especially in the issue of universal humanity,” Anwar said. – Bernama
