Raeisi: Malaysia ‘among Islamic and Asian priorities’ for Iran

President Ebrahim Raeisi has underlined the great capacities for expansion of bilateral relations in various fields between Tehran and Kuala Lumpur, saying Malaysia is one of Iran’s priorities in the Muslim world and among the Asian countries.

Raeisi made the remark in a phone conversation with Malaysia's newly-appointed Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Friday, as he congratulated the 75-year-old on his swearing-in a day earlier as premier of the Southeast Asian country.

“Iran and Malaysia have great and diverse capacities in the fields of economy, technology, culture and international cooperation,” the Iranian president said, adding, “Serious efforts by the officials of the two countries can actualize these capacities in line with the interests of the two nations.”

Ibrahim, for his part, said Iran and Malaysia have great potential to boost ties in the cultural and commercial fields, adding, “We will do our utmost to elevate our relations as two countries and great Islamic nations as much as possible.”

Malaysia’s king appointed Ibrahim as Prime Minister on Thursday, ending days of uncertainties after divisive general elections produced a hung parliament. 

The newly-appointed premier has yet to announce any cabinet appointments for his coalition government amid the country’s slowing economy and budget deficit.

MG