Tehran: First Vice President Mohammad-Reza Aref has emphasized the need for a leap in Tehran-Kuala Lumpur relations and called for the expansion of bilateral cooperation across all fields. Aref met with Datuk Seri Haji Mohamad Sabu, Malaysia's Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, in Tehran on Saturday.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Aref underscored the importance of enhancing relations between Iran and Malaysia, stating that the current level of relations does not reflect the status of Iran and Malaysia as friendly and brotherly countries. He expressed aspirations for significant progress in areas such as science, economics, culture, and infrastructure. Aref also noted that in the medium term, the trade volume between the two nations should increase to several billion dollars.

He further elaborated that enhancing cooperation with Malaysia extends beyond bilateral relations, serving the broader interests of the Islamic Ummah. Aref emphasized the necessity for the Joint Economic Commission to become more active and extended an invitation to Anwar Ibrahim, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, to visit Iran.

On his part, Mohamad Sabu highlighted the world's need to recognize Iran as a new power and reiterated Malaysia's serious determination to develop its relations with Iran in various fields.