KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian companies are poised to participate in infrastructure projects for the reconstruction of Iraq.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir made this statement today, affirming Malaysia's preparedness to explore all avenues and opportunities to bolster the volume of trade and investment between the two nations. This includes expanding exports of furniture, pharmaceutical products, electrical and electronic goods, as well as commodities to Iraq.
The matter, he said, was discussed with the country's leaders during his official visit to Iraq, which started last Wednesday and ended yesterday.
"I also discussed the operational status of Petronas in Iraq as well as wider opportunities in the energy sector that Petronas can explore," he said.
He said that the effort was made in line with Malaysia's decision to reopen the embassy operations in Baghdad, Iraq, after being closed for the past two decades, thus opening up more opportunities for new cooperation between the two countries.
"I have conveyed the Malaysian cabinet's decision to re-operate the Malaysian Embassy in Baghdad, which has been temporarily closed for the past two decades.
"This visit is historic and meaningful considering that this is the first ministerial visit from Malaysia to the Republic of Iraq after more than two decades (the last time was in 2002) since the outbreak of political unrest in Iraq in 2003," he said.
Zambry said that his visit not only fulfilled the invitation of his counterpart, the Deputy Prime Minister of International Affairs and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Iraq, Dr Fuad Hussein but also opened a new chapter in cooperation between the two countries.
He said the visit was the beginning for Malaysia to play a role as a proactive country in international relations, especially in West Asia, in addition to the active diplomacy mission founded by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to enable Malaysia to return to the international scene in facing and dealing with global issues.
"In the meeting with Iraqi leaders, I reiterated Malaysia's commitment to expand cooperation with Iraq in various sectors, especially economy, education, air links and tourism.
"I also expressed Malaysia's willingness to explore all available routes and opportunities to boost trade and investment between the two countries, including increasing the export of furniture, pharmaceutical products, electrical and electronic products and commodities to Iraq," he said.
He also said Malaysia welcomed the intention of Iraqi Airways to start regular flights to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
"(In addition) Malaysia and Iraq play a role in dealing with issues related to Islamophobia collectively with other Muslim countries.
"Therefore, Malaysia, Iraq and Turkiye will play a more critical role in dealing with the issue of Islamophobia played by certain parties.
"The Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) between Malaysia and Iraq, which has been delayed for a long time (the last time was in 2005), will be held again immediately," he said.