For disability access, select any text and click the button below

 
Bilateral Diplomacy Bilateral Diplomacy

WEST ASIA
 

The relationships between Malaysia and countries in the Middle East have been developing in the political, economic as well as cultural fields. Relations have been enhanced through close affinity as Malaysia shares common history and religion with countries in the region.

 

 

Photo: The Honourable Dato' Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, during the Prime Minister's Official Visit to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 17-19 January 2010

 

Over the years, countries in the region have experienced enormous economic growth and have become important sources for both finance and investment. Countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Kuwait have been at the forefront of growth with growing infrastructural development programmes almost exclusively funded by oil money.

 

With an estimated world crude oil reserve of 30% the region is important not only to Malaysia, but also to the world. The economic opportunities presented by the Gulf countries are immense as they are net importers of non-oil goods, which could represent a lucrative market for Malaysian companies. Currently several Malaysian companies are doing business in the region. In turn, a number of companies from the Gulf States have made significant investments in Malaysia. Malaysia should intensify efforts to attract more investments from the Gulf States.

 

In the case of Iran, high level visits between Malaysia and Iran have been active, indicative of the close bilateral ties. Relations with Iran is expanding and could be further enhanced in various areas of cooperation including the petroleum industry, petrochemical, tourism, automotive and ICT.

 

 

Photo: Official Visit of the Honourable Dato' Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak to Saudi Arabia, 13-16 January 2010.

 

Malaysia has established a few Joint Commissions with a number of countries in the region which allow both sides to consult at the Ministerial level on pertinent bilateral and multilateral issues of concern.
 

 

 

Print