President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran is committed to making its relations with Muslim and neighboring countries stronger and more constructive, stressing that lasting security in the West Asia region can only be achieved through cooperation and collective efforts by countries of the region.
President Pezeshkian made the remarks in a meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in India on Saturday, where they discussed bilateral relations, regional security, and the need for greater cooperation among Muslim and neighboring countries.
President Pezeshkian said Iran considers expanding relations with neighboring and brotherly countries a key strategic priority, stressing that Tehran is working to make such ties more rational, stable, and stronger. He said Iran has no problems with its Muslim neighbors, arguing that external powers seek to create divisions among friendly countries.
The Iranian president attributed regional instability to policies pursued by the United States and Europe and atrocities committed by the Israeli regime, saying independent countries in the region should be allowed to determine their own future.
He also referred to the recent war imposed on Iran, saying the country had been subjected to attacks that killed officials, children, military commanders, and scientists. He maintained that Iran had no choice but to defend itself, including by targeting military bases used in attacks against the country.
Iran prioritizes peace, regional cooperation
President Pezeshkian emphasized that Iran does not seek war or its continuation. He said Tehran wants its international rights to be respected and unfair sanctions to be lifted.
He also stressed that regional security cannot be achieved through a foreign power acting as a regional police force. Instead, he said, territorial integrity and security must be guaranteed by regional countries themselves.
Malaysia supports Iran’s sovereignty
PM Ibrahim strongly condemned the attacks on Iran, saying Malaysia had clearly expressed its position from the outset and that the Malaysian Parliament had firmly denounced the aggression.
The Malaysian prime minister said Iran’s territorial integrity and sovereignty were highly respected by Malaysia. He also praised the Iranian people and government for standing firm in defense of their rights.
He expressed Malaysia’s determination to strengthen relations with Iran and said the two sides would explore opportunities to expand cooperation in trade, economic affairs, education, and other areas.