PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia will reopen its embassy in Baghdad, Iraq in the near future after being temporarily closed for two decades and its operations will give way to wider new cooperation opportunities in various fields.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Datuk Seri Dr. Zambry Abd. Kadir said, his visit to Iraq from 23rd till 25th Aug. 2023 was on the invitation of his counterpart Dr. Fuad Hussein who is also the Deputy Prime Minister International Affairs that had opened up new phases of cooperation between Malaysia and Iraq.
Zambry said, the visit was very meaningful and historical as it was the first visit at ministerial level from Malaysia after more than 20 years since the political conflicts in Iraq occurred in 2003.
“In my meetings with the Iraqi leaders, I have repeated Malaysia’s commitment to widen cooperation in various sectors especially in economy, education, aviation relations and tourism.
“I have also mentioned about Malaysia’s readiness to explore all avenues and opportunities to increase the volume of trade and investment between the two countries including the increase in furniture exports, pharmaceutical products, electrical products, electronics and commodities to Iraq,” Zambry said in a statement today.
Zamry also highlighted that the Iraqi government appreciates the presence of companies from Malaysia to implement infrastructure projects for the redevelopment of Iraq.
Zambry added, he had also discussed about the PETRONAS operation in Iraq and wider opportunities in energy sectors that will be explored by PETRONAS.
According to Zambry, several important matters have also been achieved in the visit including the consistent exchange of visits at the highest level between the two countries; the Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) that had been postponed since 2005 will be implemented immediately.
“Malaysia is prepared to explore opportunities to increase the volume of trade and will take part in the development and management of airport, roads systems and management of water sources.
“We have also agreed to increase cooperation in education via exchange of teaching staffs, researchers and students in various fields. The meeting also agreed to widen the aviation relations that is more practical and efficient between the two countries and spread the tourism sector.
“Malaysia welcomes the Iraqi Airways’ interest to immediately start its periodical flights to KLIA apart from Iraq requesting Malaysia to share experiences and expertise to help in the process of redeveloping Iraq.
“Malaysia and Iraq will play their roles in addressing Islamophobia issue collectively with other countries. Malaysia, Iraq and Turkiye will play more important roles in confronting the issue played by certain groups,” Zambry reiterated.
He added, the visit was a start for Malaysia to play its role as a proactive nation in international relations especially in West Asia.
This was also an active diplomacy mission that was initiated by the Prime Minister to enable Malaysia to return to the international platform in facing and confronting global issues. –Malaysia World News
