Enhancing Bilateral Cooperation between Malaysia and Zanjan Province
Malaysia is reaffirming its commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation with Iran’s Zanjan province, focusing on shared priorities in trade, tourism, education, and municipal partnerships.
Courtesy Call and Discussions
The commitment was underscored during a courtesy call by Malaysia’s Ambassador to Iran, Khairi Omar, on the Zanjan Governor, Seyed Mohsen Sadeghi, held on the sidelines of the 2nd National and World Olive Day celebration. Both officials emphasized the importance of fostering deeper ties between Zanjan and Malaysia.
Sister-City Relationship and Tourism
During the discussion, a proposal to establish a sister-city relationship between Zanjan and a Malaysian city was warmly welcomed by Governor Sadeghi, who described the initiative as a "key step towards strengthening cultural and economic ties." Khairi highlighted Zanjan’s potential as a unique destination for Malaysian travellers, noting that events such as National Olive Day present valuable opportunities to enhance tourism collaboration.
Economic Cooperation
On the economic front, both sides acknowledged significant opportunities for trade and investment. Sadeghi emphasized Zanjan’s readiness to attract foreign investors, proposing an exhibition of the province’s industrial capabilities for Malaysia, to be supported by Zanjan’s Chamber of Commerce and the private sector. Khairi reiterated Malaysia’s interest in exploring business opportunities in Zanjan, particularly in the industrial, mining, and agricultural sectors.
Educational Cooperation
Regarding educational cooperation, the discussions focused on the potential for research partnerships and university exchange programmes. Khairi said that there are "ample opportunities for collaboration in education, scientific research, and knowledge-sharing" between Malaysia and Zanjan, while Sadeghi emphasized the value of enhancing ties in academia.
Conclusion
This visit reflects Malaysia’s continued interest in strengthening cooperation with Iran at the provincial level. It builds on earlier discussions, with both sides reaffirming their shared commitment to advancing agreed initiatives and exploring new avenues for collaboration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the shared priorities for bilateral cooperation between Malaysia and Zanjan Province?
A: The shared priorities include trade, tourism, education, and municipal partnerships.
Q: What is the proposal for a sister-city relationship between Zanjan and a Malaysian city?
A: The proposal was warmly welcomed by Governor Sadeghi, who described it as a "key step towards strengthening cultural and economic ties."
Q: What are the opportunities for trade and investment between Malaysia and Zanjan Province?
A: Both sides acknowledged significant opportunities for trade and investment, particularly in the industrial, mining, and agricultural sectors.
Q: What are the potential areas for educational cooperation between Malaysia and Zanjan Province?
A: The discussions focused on the potential for research partnerships and university exchange programmes, with opportunities for collaboration in education, scientific research, and knowledge-sharing.