Uzbekistan and Malaysia Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation in Parliamentary, Security, and Educational Sectors

Uzbekistan and Malaysia Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation in Parliamentary, Security, and Educational Sectors

Kuala Lumpur, The Gulf Observer: Eldor Aripov, Director of the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies (ISRS) of Uzbekistan, visited Kuala Lumpur from January 21-23, 2025, as part of his participation in the roundtable on “From Dialogue to Action: Uzbekistan and Malaysia on the Path to Strategic Cooperation.” During his stay, Aripov held important meetings with key representatives from Malaysia’s Parliament and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, further strengthening bilateral relations.

Aripov’s first meeting was with Tuan Wong Chen, Chairman of the International Relations and Trade Select Committee of the Malaysian Parliament, where they discussed the future prospects of inter-parliamentary cooperation between Uzbekistan and Malaysia. They highlighted the steady progress in diplomatic and legislative exchanges, particularly the active role of the Friendship Group in both parliaments. The two sides also noted the regular high-level visits between their legislative bodies, with upcoming visits planned for 2024, including the visit of Deputy President of the Dewan Negara of the Malaysian Parliament, Nur Jazlan Mohamed, to Uzbekistan, and the Speaker of the Legislative Chamber of the Parliament of Uzbekistan, Nuriddin Ismailov, to Malaysia.

During the discussion, both parties emphasized the need to further expand inter-parliamentary cooperation, exchange legislative experiences, and introduce joint committee meetings on priority bilateral issues.

Aripov also met with Dato Ahmad Azam, Malaysia’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, where they discussed the current situation in Afghanistan and regional security concerns. Aripov informed his counterpart about Uzbekistan’s commitment to promoting peaceful and sustainable development in Afghanistan. He stressed that Afghanistan’s socio-economic recovery and its integration into interregional trade relations are essential to securing regional stability in Central and South Asia. Dato Azam commended Uzbekistan’s efforts, noting that the approaches of Tashkent and Kuala Lumpur align closely on the Afghan issue. Both sides expressed mutual interest in implementing joint educational programs for Afghan citizens.

A further discussion took place with Dato Ganeson Sivagurunathan, Director General of the Southeast Asia Regional Centre for Counter-Terrorism under Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The conversation focused on the ongoing fight against international terrorism and the need for enhanced efforts in countering violent extremism, particularly through the internet, as well as the implementation of reintegration and rehabilitation measures. Both sides agreed that only through consolidated efforts could modern global threats and challenges be effectively addressed.

This series of high-level discussions marks a continued effort by Uzbekistan and Malaysia to strengthen strategic cooperation across various sectors, including security, education, and regional development.