Iran FM Holds High-Level Talks in Malaysia

Zarif and Mahathir held talks on a wide range of issues, including bilateral relations and the latest regional and international developments.

Speaking to reporters after the “very good and friendly” meeting, Zarif said he discussed with Mahathir the US sanctions and unlawful acts, as well as the issues of the Muslim world.

The Iranian foreign minister, who arrived in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday, had earlier announced that the Malaysian prime minister will pay an official visit to Iran soon.

In a separate meeting on Thursday, Zarif and his Malaysian counterpart discussed various aspects of bilateral ties, including holding a meeting of Iran-Malaysia Joint Economic Commission, banking cooperation, business and scientific collaborations, and certain problems faced by Iranians living in Malaysia.

They also conferred on the future visit of Malaysian prime minister to Iran, the two countries’ cooperation in international bodies, the latest developments regarding the implementation of the JCPOA, the issues of Muslim world, and the most important regional and international affairs.

Zarif also delivered a speech at Malaysia’s Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS).

In the Thursday address, Zarif talked about the future prospect and developments in international ties, the features and characteristics of power and security in the new (post-Western) era, and common security in the Muslim world.

He also answered the questions of Malaysian professors and thinkers on the latest regional and international developments as well as the Islamic Republic’s foreign policy.

Kuala Lumpur is the final leg of a three-nation tour of Asia, which earlier took Zarif to China and Japan.