KUALA LUMPUR: The Embassy of Malaysia in Tehran, in collaboration with Iran’s Institute for Political and International Studies (IPIS), convened a high-level conference in Tehran on Sunday (Dec 29) focusing on Malaysia’s pivotal role as the incoming Chair of Asean in 2025.
The event highlighted the country’s vision of “Inclusivity and Sustainability” as a unifying theme for regional and global engagements, emphasising the evolving Asean-Iran relations and the potential for deeper collaboration.
Malaysia’s Ambassador to Iran Khairi Omar, in his welcoming address, reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to strengthening Asean centrality, fostering economic partnerships, and promoting inclusivity and sustainability during its chairmanship. He also highlighted Asean’s strategic importance as a model for regional stability and cooperation.
"Malaysia’s leadership in 2025 coincides with the 10th anniversary of the Asean Community, offering a timely opportunity to recommit to the values that define our region.
"Our focus on inclusivity and sustainability ensures that Asean’s community-building efforts resonate with the aspirations of our people while addressing today’s complex challenges,” said Khairi.
He also highlighted the importance of building on the momentum generated by the conference.
"This dialogue represents the enduring strength of partnerships built on mutual respect and shared aspirations. Malaysia is deeply honoured to lead Asean in 2025 and is committed to ensuring that our chairmanship strengthens the bonds of cooperation both within Asean and with our valued partners such as Iran,” he added.
The event, attended by prominent diplomats, policymakers, and scholars, highlighted Malaysia's leadership in Asean and underscored its broader significance as a platform for neutrality, dialogue and collaboration in an increasingly complex global landscape.
In his address, Deputy Director of IPIS Dr Khalil Shirgholami reflected on the significance of Asean’s role in the evolving global order, highlighting the importance of inter-regional collaboration.
"We are witnessing one of the most transformative periods in human history, where East and Southeast Asia, along with West Asia, can play pivotal roles in shaping a more inclusive and multipolar global system.
"Asean’s model of regionalism is an invaluable example of how integration and cooperation can benefit other regions,” he noted.
Dr Shirgholami also emphasised that the dynamic traditions and shared values of West Asia and Southeast Asia offer immense potential for mutual understanding and collaboration, particularly in fostering cultural and economic synergies.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Ambassador to Asean, Mohammad Boroujerdi, praised Malaysia’s vision for Asean in his speech and expressed optimism about enhanced collaboration during Malaysia’s Chairmanship.
He also reflected on the longstanding ties between Iran and Asean, noting Iran’s accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia as a milestone in their partnership.
"Iran sees immense potential in its partnership with Asean, and we believe Malaysia’s visionary leadership will bring our regions closer together. The themes of inclusivity and sustainability resonate strongly with our shared goals,” said Boroujerdi.
According to the statement, the conference’s Political-Security Panel, titled "Enhancing Regional Stability: Opportunities for Iran-Asean Collaboration on Peace and Security Challenges,” examined Asean’s pragmatic approach to managing geopolitical tensions and highlighted Iran’s potential contributions to regional stability.
The Economic Panel, "Expanding Trade Routes: Leveraging Asean and Iran’s Strategic Locations for Economic Growth,” emphasised the strategic significance of Asean’s dynamic markets and Iran’s geographical position, identifying opportunities for trade, connectivity, and innovation.
The Socio-Cultural Panel, "Asean and Iran: Fostering Social Inclusion and Cultural Diversity,” explored shared cultural values, underscoring the importance of academic collaboration, tourism, and heritage preservation as avenues for deeper people-to-people ties, it added.
The statement said the conference also emphasised the importance of leveraging regional frameworks such as the Asean-Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and the Asean-Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) to advance shared objectives.
Discussions on cultural diplomacy and economic synergies reflected a mutual commitment to creating meaningful partnerships.
With its growing prominence, Asean remains a vital force for regional stability, prosperity, and cultural richness, it added.
Malaysia will officially assume the Asean Chairmanship on Jan 1, 2025.
Malaysia previously held the Asean Chairmanship in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015. – Bernama
