Malaysia and Pakistan welcome significant progress in US-Iran talks 

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. (Wikimedia Commons - Prime Minister's Office)

JAKARTA - Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim welcomed the significant progress in negotiations between the United States and Iran, including the discussion of reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

"I have received positive signals from leaders in the Middle East that negotiations towards a framework agreement between the United States and Iran, including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, are progressing in a progressive direction. I view this development with sincere optimism," Anwar said in Malaysia, Sunday, as reported by Antara.

Anwar stated that Malaysia noted the constructive role played by Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates in facilitating the process.

Malaysia also welcomed the direct involvement of US President Donald Trump in seeking a solution through the negotiation track.

"We hope all parties can take advantage of this opportunity and bring the negotiations to a successful conclusion," Anwar said.

Malaysia also encourages all parties to reach an inclusive framework agreement, which strengthens the current ceasefire, guarantees the security of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, and accommodates the legitimate security interests of all countries in the region.

Malaysia expressed its readiness to support any multilateral efforts that could contribute to the creation of sustainable peace and stability in West Asia.

Shahbaz Sharif Congratulates

Meanwhile, Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Sunday welcomed US President Donald Trump's extraordinary efforts to make peace with Iran, after holding telephone talks with a number of Middle Eastern leaders.

Prime Minister of Pakistan Shahbaz Sharif. (Wikimedia Commons - CM Punjab Shehbaz Sharif)

"I congratulate President Donald Trump for his extraordinary efforts to achieve peace through a very useful and productive phone call held this morning, with the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, Egypt, the UAE, Jordan, and Pakistan," Sharif said.

He said the discussion provided a useful opportunity to exchange views on how to advance the process and achieve lasting peace in the Middle East region.

He also said Pakistan would continue its peace efforts "in all sincerity", and expressed hope that Pakistan could host the next round of talks between Washington and Tehran.