Malaysia to reopen embassy in Iraq, boost bilateral ties

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian embassy in Iraq is set to reopen after 20 years, says Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir.

Malaysia had shut down the embassy following the unrest in Baghdad.

Zambry said the Cabinet’s decision to reopen the embassy has been conveyed to the Iraqi government following his maiden official visit to the country from Aug 23 to 25.

The historic visit, which is the first official ministerial visit to Iraq since 2002, also culminated in other key matters being achieved, including Malaysia welcoming the intention of Iraqi Airways to start regular flights to KLIA.

The two countries also agreed to explore more areas of cooperation in various sectors especially economy, education, air links and tourism.

Zambry said his visit was at the invitation of his counterpart, Iraq’s Deputy Prime Minister for International Relations Affairs and Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr Fuad Hussein.

He said the visit has opened a new chapter in the ties between the two countries.

“I also expressed Malaysia’s willingness to explore all routes and the opportunities available to increase the amount of trade and investment, including increasing 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,” said Zambry in a statement on Saturday (Aug 26).

Zambry also met with Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani and Parliament Speaker Mohammed Al-Halbousi.

He said other matters achieved were the agreement to encourage an exchange of high-level visits between the two countries and the implementation of the Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) between Malaysia and Iraq that has been delayed since 2005.

Zambry also said Malaysia has conveyed its willingness to participate in construction projects and airport management, road system and water resource management.

The two countries have also agreed to increase cooperation in the field of education through exchange of teaching staff, researchers and students in various fields.

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

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

“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.

He added the visit is a starting point for Malaysia to play a role as a proactive country in international relations, especially in West Asia.

“This too is an active diplomacy mission founded by the Prime Minister to enable Malaysia to return to the international scene in facing global issues,” he said.