Malaysia to boost ties with Iran and Turkiye

PM and Erdogan also discussed ways to combat Islamophobia

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has promised to strengthen Malaysia’s ties with Iran and Turkey as he prepares to make his debut as Prime Minister at the United Nations in New York.

Anwar separately met with Iranian President Seyed Ebrahim Raisi and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan prior to the 78th United Nations General Assembly session. He is slated to deliver Malaysia’s National Statement at the General Debate.

Additionally, the Prime Minister engaged in discussions with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe on enhancing relations in various sectors.

Besides these three leaders, Anwar is also scheduled to meet with Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani.

After addressing the UN, Anwar plans to meet with US business leaders.

In a Facebook post, Anwar expressed Malaysia’s eagerness to enhance collaboration with Iran in the fields of economy, education, food security, science, and technology.

Both countries will conduct a Joint Commission Meeting and a Joint Economic Commission to refine the potential areas of cooperation.

“Hopefully, the relations between Malaysia and Iran will continue to be strengthened for mutual benefit,” he said.

Anwar is currently in New York attending the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

In his meeting with Erdogan, Anwar discussed strategies for combatting Islamophobia and the potential purchase of arms from Turkey.

“We discussed the issue of extreme prejudice against Islam in the West and other countries. In my meeting with President Erdogan, we agreed to enhance efforts on cooperation and strategies to address these issues,” Anwar told reporters.

A joint statement titled “Increasing Hatred, Intolerance, Discrimination, and Acts of Violence Against Muslims and Their Sanctities” was issued by both leaders.

The statement expressed their concerns about the escalating Islamophobia and the desecration of the Quran in certain European countries. They called upon the UN and other governments to intensify efforts toward religious tolerance.

During the meeting, Anwar expressed Malaysia’s interest in procuring military equipment from Turkey.

“We might explore the possibility of acquiring drones and helicopters, given Turkey’s expertise in these areas. However, the final decision rests with the Armed Forces,” he stated.

Anwar was accompanied by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir; Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz; and Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa.

Later, Anwar was scheduled to participate in a roundtable discussion with Fortune 500 companies at the Harvard Club of New York City.

Additionally, he will speak at the Invest Malaysia New York event organized by Bursa Malaysia and hold meetings with entrepreneurs and potential investors from the United States at both events.

Malaysia attracted RM132.6 billion worth of approved investments in the services, manufacturing, and primary sectors during the first half of the year. These 2,651 projects are expected to create 51,853 jobs.

In addition, Anwar will take part in a discussion session with members of the Council on Foreign Relations, an independent non-partisan think tank specializing in international relations and foreign policy.