Tehran: The 8th Malaysia-Iran Joint Commission Meeting (JCM), held today, aims to strengthen diplomatic, economic, and strategic cooperation between the two countries. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan stated that the meeting would elevate bilateral relations to greater heights by accelerating progress in key areas of cooperation, establishing clear objectives, and setting a realistic timeline for achieving shared goals.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, in his opening remarks at the JCM, Mohamad emphasized Malaysia’s view of its ties with Iran as both significant and mutually beneficial, highlighting Iran as an important partner for Malaysia in the Middle East. He noted the strong bonds since the establishment of bilateral relations in 1968, demonstrated by their close cooperation in multiple areas.
Despite the evolving global dynamics, the relationship between the two nations has progressed over the past decade. Mohamad assured that Malaysia is committed to enhancing bilateral relations in fields such as economy, education, agriculture, defense, security, health, tourism, culture, science, and technology, along with exploring new areas of cooperation.
Mohamad, on his inaugural official visit to Iran from February 25 to 27, co-chaired the meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi at the latter’s office. The meeting, which began at 2 pm local time, lasted about 20 minutes.
During his remarks, Mohamad expressed confidence in Iran’s potential to promote peace and stability regionally and globally. He reiterated readiness to collaborate with Abbas and anticipated Iran’s positive contributions to the Middle East. Malaysia is committed to greater cooperation on international platforms such as the UN, OIC, and D8.
He also emphasized Malaysia’s willingness to collaborate further in cultural and social spheres with Iran, appreciating the Islamic Republic’s rich connection to Islam and world civilization. On trade and investment, Mohamad suggested that both countries should work together to translate their close relations into tangible results benefiting both nations.
Previously, Malaysia hosted the 7th JCM in Putrajaya from November 10 to 11, 2008. In 2024, Iran stood as Malaysia’s seventh-largest trading partner in the West Asian region, with total trade valued at RM2.6 billion (USD0.57 billion), marking a 24.6 percent increase from 2023. Malaysia was Iran’s largest trading partner among ASEAN Member States and its 19th largest globally in 2023.
Malaysia established its embassy in Tehran in 1970, while Iran opened its embassy in Kuala Lumpur in 1981.