Stronger Ties with ASEAN: Iran Seeks Enhanced Engagement
KUALA LUMPUR, March 5 (Bernama) — Iran has expressed strong interest in enhancing its engagement with the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), emphasizing the region’s importance and vast potential.
ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partnership
Iranian Ambassador to Malaysia, Valiollah Mohammadi Nasrabadi, said that Iran signed the Instrument of Accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) of ASEAN in 2018, and since then both sides have been working towards stronger cooperation across various sectors. "We have now submitted an application for ASEAN sectoral dialogue partnership and hope that during Malaysia’s chairmanship (of ASEAN), we will see progress on this matter with Malaysia’s support," he told Bernama.
Ties with Syria
On Tehran’s relations with Syria following the fall of Bashar al-Assad, Valiollah said Iran respects the will of the Syrian people and it remains open to dialogue and cooperation with the new government. "We had a good relationship with the previous Syrian government. The reason Iran was in Syria was because of ISIS (terror group), which attacked both Iraq and Syria. With the new government in place, we respect the will of the people. Our goal is for the new government to successfully unite the country, and we support this vision. Iran remains open to diplomacy with the new government," he said.
Ongoing Conflict in Gaza
Addressing the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Valiollah reaffirmed Iran’s unwavering support for the Palestinian people in their struggle for independence. He also acknowledged Malaysia’s longstanding support for Palestine, commending its position at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in condemning Israeli actions.
Deeper Ties with Malaysia
Valiollah highlighted the deepening relations between Tehran and Kuala Lumpur, bolstered by the just-concluded 8th Malaysia-Iran Joint Commission Meeting (JCM). The meeting reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to exploring and strengthening bilateral relations, particularly in trade, investment, education, health, and research.
Energy Sector Cooperation
Valiollah also pointed to potential cooperation between Malaysia and Iran in the energy sector, particularly in renewable energy. "The energy sector of Iran is very important. We have oil and gas, but we are also moving towards renewable energy. This presents a great opportunity for collaboration with Malaysia, which is also exploring renewable energy sources. We can exchange knowledge and investments in this field to benefit both nations," he added.
Trade and Economic Ties
In 2024, Iran was Malaysia’s seventh-largest trading partner in the West Asian region, with total trade valued at RM2.6 billion (US$0.57 billion), marking a 24.6 per cent increase from 2023. Malaysia was Iran’s largest trading partner among ASEAN Member States and its 19th largest globally in 2023.
Conclusion
As Iran seeks to strengthen its ties with ASEAN, it is clear that there are significant opportunities for cooperation and growth. From trade and investment to education and research, the potential for collaboration is vast. As Malaysia and Iran continue to explore ways to deepen their bilateral relations, it is crucial that they prioritize dialogue and cooperation to ensure a brighter future for both nations.
FAQs
Q: What is Iran’s stance on the ongoing conflict in Gaza?
A: Iran reaffirms its unwavering support for the Palestinian people in their struggle for independence.
Q: What is Iran’s relationship with Syria like after the fall of Bashar al-Assad?
A: Iran respects the will of the Syrian people and remains open to dialogue and cooperation with the new government.
Q: How does Iran view its ties with Malaysia?
A: Iran sees Malaysia as a key partner in its efforts to strengthen its engagement with ASEAN, with potential for cooperation in various sectors, including trade, investment, education, health, and research.