Anwar, Pezeshkian hold first bilateral meeting amid push to deepen economic ties
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim began Saturday with his first bilateral meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, as Malaysia seeks to deepen economic ties with Iran while navigating mounting geopolitical and sanctions-related risks.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim held his initial bilateral meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Saturday, as Malaysia endeavors to strengthen economic ties with Iran amidst rising geopolitical and sanctions-related challenges. The meeting, hosted at The Oberoi Hotel in New Delhi, included Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Johari Abdul Ghani, Human Resources Minister R. Ramanan, and other Malaysian representatives.
The discussions are anticipated to concentrate on bolstering bilateral relations, with a focus on augmenting trade, investment, and economic cooperation between the two nations. Despite US President Donald Trump's 25% tariff announcement on goods from countries engaging with Tehran, Anwar had previously affirmed Malaysia's commitment to preserving diplomatic relations with Iran, citing prudence, national interest, and respect for the sovereignty of other countries as guiding principles.
The bilateral trade volume between Malaysia and Iran amounted to RM2.45 billion in 2025, with the majority of exports, valued at RM2.17 billion, consisting of palm oil. Imports predominantly comprised Iranian oil and gas products. This meeting occurs as Malaysia aims to utilize its BRICS membership to expand economic engagement with emerging markets, with Iran offering additional opportunities for trade, investment, and economic collaboration.
While both countries have previously discussed enhancing cooperation across various sectors such as trade, investment, education, healthcare, and research, current tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, along with heightened scrutiny of Iranian energy exports and maritime activities, pose a complex challenge for Malaysia.
This situation requires a careful equilibrium between fostering legitimate economic connections with Iran and safeguarding Malaysian businesses, financial institutions, and maritime operators from potential sanctions and trade-related consequences.
On the same day, Anwar is slated to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, followed by a bilateral session with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed later in the day. He will also engage in a private meeting with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Subsequently, Anwar will conduct individual meetings with prominent Indian business leaders, including representatives from the Adani Group, a major player in transport, logistics, energy, and infrastructure in India, as well as Segula Technologies India Pvt Ltd, a leading global engineering firm, AWL Agri Business Ltd, a key entity in India's food and FMCG sector, and Motherson Group, a global specialist in design, engineering, manufacturing, assembly, and logistics.
The day will conclude with a gala dinner for leaders of BRICS member, partner, and outreach countries at the Bharat Mandapam exhibition and convention center, where the summit is being held.
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