MALAYSIA CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE IN WEST ASIA

KUALA LUMPUR, 25 Mac (Bernama) -- Malaysia has expressed hope for the immediate implementation of a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire to de-escalate tensions in West Asia following the United States (US)-Israel conflict with Iran.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the matter was conveyed during a telephone conversation with his Iranian counterpart, Dr Seyed Abbas Araghchi, on Tuesday.

“Alhamdulillah, I was able to speak with my Iranian counterpart, Dr Seyed Abbas Araghchi, on Tuesday (March 24) to discuss the latest developments in West Asia, including the importance of safeguarding maritime routes in the Strait of Hormuz for global economic and energy stability,” he said in a Facebook post on Wednesday.

Mohamad said that during the conversation, he also stressed the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in easing tensions to end the war, which is urgently needed at this time.

“Malaysia will continue to play an active role in diplomatic efforts to promote regional peace and security,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mohamad said he also held discussions with his counterpart from Oman, Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, about the situation in the Gulf countries and Malaysia’s concerns over the ongoing attacks carried out by the Zionist regime and the United States against Iran.

“Malaysia also expressed its support for Oman’s mediation efforts and expressed hope that negotiations through diplomatic channels would continue to bring an immediate end to the war,” he said.

-- BERNAMA