KUALA LUMPUR: Iranian ambassador to Malaysia Ali Asghar Mohammadi emphasised the importance of cultural diplomacy to foster mutual understanding and elevate Iran-Malaysia bilateral relations. He said both countries had many things to offer, adding that Putrajaya and Isfahan (central Iran) were “twin cities” that should be promoted to the people of both countries.

       The design of the Putra Bridge, one of the notable bridges in Putrajaya linking Dataran Putra with Persiaran Perdana, was inspired by the famous Khaju Bridge in Isfahan.

       “Your tradition, your beautiful festivals... I think this is something we need to learn from each other.

       “We (Iran) also have good artists coming to Malaysia; they have very good paintings and calligraphies,” he told Bernama during his courtesy visit to chairman of the Malaysian National News Agency Senator Datuk Ras Adiba Radzi at Wisma Bernama here recently.

       On economic ties, Mohammadi said Iran was one of the largest importers of Malaysia’s palm oil among countries in the Middle East, and was poised to continue increasing palm oil imports from Malaysia.

       Last year, Malaysia’s palm oil exports to Iran were estimated at 320,000 tonnes, and as of May this year, a total of 238,683 tonnes of palm oil worth over RM970mil were exported to the country.