ASEAN bent on meaningful engagement with Iran, all partners: Envoy
Malaysia’s ambassador to Iran highlighted the unwavering commitment of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to constructive engagement with all partners, including Iran.
The conference explored opportunities for engagement between Iran and the ASEAN, a 10-member organization established in 1967 by Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia, later joined by Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Brunei, IRNA reported.
Speakers also included Iranian Ambassador to ASEAN Mohammad Boroujerdi and Khalil Shirgholami, deputy director of the Foreign Ministry’s Department for International Studies; and Khairi Bin Omar, Malaysia’s Ambassador to Iran.
Speaking during a conference in Tehran on ASEAN-Iran cooperation, Khairi Bin Omar outlined his country’s priorities as it prepares to chair ASEAN in 2025.
He emphasized that Malaysia is dedicated to advancing ASEAN’s centrality and fostering cooperation within the region and beyond.
“We are deeply aware of the responsibilities entrusted to us,” he said. “The theme of our chairmanship, ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability,’ introduced by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, is a vision that Malaysia is proud to support.”
He also acknowledged the challenges in trade between ASEAN and Iran but noted the significant rise in Iranian tourist arrivals to ASEAN countries as an indicator of untapped potential. This underscores opportunities for collaboration in various sectors, he added.
“Malaysia will ensure ASEAN remains steadfast in its commitment to meaningful engagement with all partners, including Iran,” the ambassador concluded.
Iran-ASEAN significant partnership potential
Speaking at the conference, Boroujerdi emphasized Iran’s significant potential for collaboration with ASEAN and highlighted the mutual benefits that such partnerships could bring.
In his address, the Iranian ambassador to ASEAN stated that Southeast Asia holds a pivotal place in Iran’s “Look East” policy. “The region’s significance has driven Iran to expand its relations with ASEAN across political, economic, social, and cultural dimensions. These ties extend beyond bilateral relations to cooperation within regional and international organizations,” he said.
Iran has shown a strong interest in ASEAN over the past three decades, Boroujerdi explained.
In May 1999, Iran formally requested “sectoral dialogue partnership” with ASEAN.
However, in June 2000, ASEAN decided to defer all new partnership applications. Despite this, Iran appointed its first ambassador to ASEAN in 2011, formed a contact group of ambassadors from Economic Cooperation Organization countries in Jakarta in 2013, and joined the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia in 2018.
Last year, Iran submitted a proposal signed by the late Iranian foreign minister requesting an upgrade in relations to “development partnership” with ASEAN.
Strengthening
Iran-ASEAN ties
Boroujerdi noted ongoing efforts to showcase Iran’s capacities to ASEAN members, citing discussions with ASEAN’s secretariat, member state ambassadors in Jakarta, and officials in ASEAN capitals.
“We welcome initiatives to enhance Iran-ASEAN interaction and have proposed several ideas, some of which are under active consideration,” he said.
Boroujerdi expressed optimism about further developments under Malaysia’s chairmanship of ASEAN, stating, “I am confident that Iran-ASEAN relations will flourish and deepen during Malaysia’s presidency.”
ASEAN’s broader role
Shirgholami, for his part, addressed the conference and expressed hope for strengthening Iran-ASEAN cooperation.
He emphasized the transformative nature of the 21st century, which he described as the “Asian Century,” marked by dynamic global shifts and a rising emphasis on Asian and Southern countries identities.
Shirgholami highlighted the shared traditions and interests of West Asia and Southeast Asia, underscoring their potential to foster empathy, synergy, and efforts for a more effective, inclusive, and equitable global order.
He praised ASEAN as a successful model of regionalism, suggesting it could serve as a blueprint for integration and collaboration in other regions, including West Asia.
“ASEAN’s influence extends beyond its members, offering valuable insights for regional and global partnerships,” Shirgholami concluded.