Iran says it is not concerned by new 'Mecca Joint Defence Agreement'

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 11 — Malaysia is prepared to amplify and deepen its defence collaboration with Iran, rooted in the enduring friendship shared between the two nations. This stance was articulated by Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin during a telephone chat with Iran’s Deputy Minister of Defence and Logistics, Brigadier General Seyed Majid Ebn-e-Reza.

In a subsequent Facebook update, he expressed hope for the formalisation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to cement defence ties between Malaysia and Iran. "I also commended Iran's involvement in next year's Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) as a means to further bolster relations and explore additional defence cooperation," Nordin added.

In his condolence message to Iran, Mohamed Khaled acknowledged the loss of Iranian leaders, security personnel, and civilians during the conflict in West Asia. He emphasized Malaysia's desire to see a ceasefire preserved and the ongoing pursuit of dialogue and diplomatic resolutions for the sake of regional peace and stability. Nordin highlighted Iran's resilience, including its domestically developed defence capabilities.

He also appreciated Iran's cooperation and kindness during the conflict, underscoring the importance of safeguarding maritime routes, such as the Strait of Hormuz, for the security of the region.