NEW DELHI, Sept 12 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed concern over the continued conflict and escalation across West Asia during a bilateral meeting with Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian today.

Anwar, who is here for the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit, reiterates the importance of maintaining the freedom and safety of maritime passage through the Strait of Hormuz in accordance with international law.

“Malaysia urged all parties to return to dialogue and diplomacy to resolve disputes and de-escalate the situation,” the prime minister said during a 30-minute meeting between the two leaders on the sidelines of the summit here.

Anwar, who is also finance minister, welcomed Putrajaya and Tehran’s long-standing diplomatic relations and reaffirmed cooperation on various fronts.

He also called on a continuation and expansion of trade and investment cooperation and opportunities, especially in energy, agriculture, palm oil, food security, halal, technology, and higher education. — Bernama