Iran far more beautiful than what I expected: Malaysian biker
Arep Kulal, the leader of a group of six Malaysian motorcyclists visiting Iran, said the country is much more beautiful than he had in mind.
The Expedition of Unity of the 66th Independence Proclamation: London-Kuala Lumpur 2023 embarked on an adventurous 66-day journey in late June and crosses 66 cities in 16 countries – covering a total distance of nearly 22,000 kilometers – before entering the Malaysian capital on August 31 – Malaysia’s National Day.
As part of the program to celebrate the 66th anniversary of the occasion, the journey is a symbolic way to honor the Southeast Asian country’s Father of Independence, HRH Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra.
Having visited England, France, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Austria, Romania, Bulgaria, and Turkey, the bikers entered Iran last week and traveled through the northwest cities of Urmia, Tabriz, and Zanjan on their path to capital Tehran, where they were welcomed at the Malaysian Embassy.
“I really appreciate that you picked Iran among your destinations in this journey. You could tell the Malaysian people about the Iranians’ exemplary behavior and hospitality and take this experience as an opportunity to promote this country all around the world,” Malaysian Ambassador H.E. Khairi bin Omar told the group.
“I hope that by this symbolic act we can reminisce about the efforts of the Father of Independence, HRH Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra, who flew to London in 1957 to hold constitutional talks and brought home the Malaysian Declaration of Independence,” added the Malaysian diplomat.
Meanwhile, speaking of his time in Iran, Arep – the CEO of Global Bike Explorer Sdn Bhd – said: “Iran was different from everything I had heard. What I saw in Urmia, Tabriz, and Zanjan was nothing but alluring scenes. The country is much more beautiful than what I had in mind. When I return home I will share the truth and grandeur of Iran with my fellow Malaysians.”
“I am inviting all Iranians to visit Malaysia. I am sure they will be greeted as warmly as we were treated in this country,” added the Malaysian.
The group crosses Gorgan and Quchan before entering Turkmenistan through the crossing point in the northeastern border city of Bajgiran.
They will also visit Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, China, Laos, and Thailand on their way to their motherland.