Tehran – Iran and Malaysia have agreed to formulate a new roadmap for bilateral cooperation in agriculture and food security, as the two countries seek to deepen collaboration in trade, research, investment, and the exchange of advanced agricultural technologies.

 

The agreement was reached during a meeting on Saturday between Iran's Minister of Agriculture Gholamreza Nouri, and his Malaysian counterpart Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, according to the official website of the Iranian Ministry of Agriculture.

 

The ministers discussed ways to expand cooperation in agriculture, agri-food industries, agricultural trade, scientific research, and food security.

 

Mohamad Sabu, who is visiting Tehran as the Malaysian government's representative to attend the farewell ceremony for the martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, underscored the importance of strengthening agricultural ties and facilitating trade and exchanges between the two countries.

 

New Food Security Roadmap

 

Emphasizing the longstanding friendly relations between Tehran and Kuala Lumpur and the considerable potential for cooperation, the two ministers agreed to develop a comprehensive roadmap for future collaboration in agriculture and food security.

 

The proposed framework will focus on expanding trade in agricultural products, increasing joint investment, strengthening cooperation in the food processing industry, promoting the transfer of modern agricultural technologies, advancing joint research initiatives, and facilitating greater private-sector engagement.

 

Enhanced Scientific and Technological Cooperation

 

Nouri described scientific and technological cooperation as a cornerstone of Iran-Malaysia relations and called for stronger partnerships between universities, research institutes, and specialized agricultural centers in both countries.

 

He highlighted several priority areas for collaboration, including seed breeding and improvement, smart agriculture, agricultural mechanization, water resource management, greenhouse technologies, and food security.

 

The Iranian minister also proposed expanding exchanges of researchers and specialists, launching joint research projects, and organizing collaborative training programs to enhance technical expertise.

 

Pointing to Iran's achievements in agricultural production, scientific research, and technical know-how, Nouri reaffirmed the country's readiness to broaden cooperation with Malaysia across all fields of mutual interest.

 

Invitation to Visit Malaysia

 

Welcoming the growing momentum in bilateral relations, Mohamad Sabu stressed the importance of implementing the agreed initiatives through a joint working group and developing practical action plans for future projects.

 

Expressing appreciation for Iran's hospitality, he formally invited Nouri to pay an official visit to Kuala Lumpur.

 

According to the Malaysian minister, the visit could serve as a milestone in bilateral relations by providing an opportunity to sign cooperation agreements, convene a meeting of the Joint Agricultural Committee, and engage with business leaders and private-sector representatives from both countries.

 

Expanding Trade and Research Partnerships

 

The ministers also reviewed opportunities to increase bilateral agricultural trade, strengthen scientific and research cooperation, promote the exchange of knowledge and innovative agricultural technologies, and deepen collaboration on food security by leveraging the two countries' complementary capabilities.

 

They emphasized the importance of maintaining regular consultations and enhancing cooperation between relevant institutions in Iran and Malaysia, while calling for expanded collaboration in agricultural production, trade, and joint development projects to further strengthen economic and agricultural ties between Tehran and Kuala Lumpur.

 

Accepting the invitation, Nouri reaffirmed the Islamic Republic of Iran's commitment to developing long-term partnerships with Malaysia in agriculture, food security, and the food industry, expressing confidence that closer cooperation would bring mutual benefits to both nations.