Malaysia set to reopen embassy in Iraq

PETALING JAYA: Twenty years since its closure, Malaysia is set to reopen its embassy in Iraq, which had been shut down due to unrest.

Iraq’s national carrier Iraqi Airways is also set to begin regular flights to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

These are among the matters achieved in the maiden visit to Iraq by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, which took place from Aug 23 to Aug 25.

The visit, which is historic considering it is the first official ministerial visit to Iraq since 2002, also culminated in other key matters being achieved, with the two countries agreeing to explore more areas of cooperation in various sectors especially economy, education, air links and tourism.

Zambry said the Cabinet’s decision to reopen the embassy has been conveyed to the Iraqi government during his visit, which was at the invitation of his counterpart, Iraq’s Deputy Prime Minister for International Relations Affairs and Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Fuad Hussein.

Zambry, who also met with Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani and Iraqi Parliament Speaker Mohammed Al-Halbousi, said it was a visit that has opened a new chapter in the two countries’ ties.

“I also expressed Malaysia’s willingness to explore all routes and the opportunities available to increase the amount of trade and investment between both countries, including increasing the exports of furniture, pharmaceutical products, electrical and electronic products and commodities to Iraq.

“In the field of investment, the Iraqi government has welcomed the presence of companies from Malaysia to implement infrastructure projects for the reconstruction of Iraq.

“I also discussed the operational status of PETRONAS in Iraq as well as wider opportunities in the energy sector that can be explored by PETRONAS,” Zambry said in a statement yesterday.

The meeting also culminated in the agreement to encourage exchange of high-level visits between the two countries and immediately implementing the Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) between Malaysia and Iraq that has been delayed since 2005.

Zambry said Malaysia also conveyed its willingness to explore opportunities to increase volume trading as well as participating in construction projects and airport management, road system and water resource management.

The two countries also agreed to increase cooperation in the field of education through exchange of teaching staff members, researchers and students in various fields as well as expand a more practical and efficient air network between both countries to develop the tourism sector.

“In this matter, Malaysia welcomes the intention of Iraqi Airways to start regular flights to KLIA immediately,” he said.

The Iraqi government has also asked Malaysia to share its experience and expertise to help rebuild Iraq, he said.

Zambry added that Malaysia and Iraq, as well Turkiye, will play a more important role in dealing with Islamophobia.

“This visit is proof of the seriousness of the unity government under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to improve bilateral relations between Malaysia and all Islamic countries including Iraq,” he said.