Uzbekistan and Malaysia Strengthen Strategic Partnership During High-Level Talks
Putrajaya, The Gulf Observer: President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim held high-level discussions at the Perdana Putra Government Complex in Putrajaya, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation across various sectors.
President Mirziyoyev expressed sincere gratitude to Prime Minister Anwar for the warm reception and extended congratulations on the success of Malaysia’s Madani state strategy. The two leaders underscored the growing friendship between Uzbekistan and Malaysia, highlighting the positive momentum generated by Prime Minister Anwar’s historic visit to Uzbekistan in May last year.
Expanding Bilateral Relations and Cooperation
The talks emphasized the increasing political dialogue and inter-parliamentary engagements between the two nations. It was noted that trade turnover is rising, joint enterprises are expanding, and the number of direct flights between the countries has increased. Key developments in 2024 included:
- The first meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission,
- The establishment of a Business Council,
- Several business forums to enhance economic collaboration.
In anticipation of President Mirziyoyev’s visit, both sides held analytical meetings, tourism and cultural presentations, and a forum of university rectors, further deepening academic and cultural ties.
Strategic Dialogue and Economic Partnership
To enhance bilateral coordination, a Strategic Dialogue platform between the foreign ministers will be established, ensuring the effective implementation of high-level agreements. The leaders also emphasized continued mutual support within the UN, OIC, and other international organizations.
Economic and trade cooperation took center stage in the discussions. To accelerate trade turnover, Uzbekistan and Malaysia agreed to:
- Develop a Preferential Trade Agreement,
- Organize mutual industrial exhibitions,
- Implement an Industrial Cooperation Program.
Malaysia also reaffirmed its support for Uzbekistan’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Recognizing the potential for innovation-driven growth, 2025-2026 was declared the Period of Innovative Development of Partnership between Uzbekistan and Malaysia. Priority cooperation areas will include:
- Petrochemicals and chemicals,
- Electronics and semiconductors,
- Smart agriculture,
- Green energy,
- Pilgrimage tourism.
As part of this initiative, a special economic zone will be established in Tashkent region, managed by a leading Malaysian company, to facilitate investment and industrial projects.
Cultural and Security Cooperation
Both leaders emphasized cultural and humanitarian exchanges, with plans to hold reciprocal Culture Weeks in Uzbekistan and Malaysia in 2025.
Discussions also covered regional security issues, including efforts to combat terrorism, radicalism, and Islamophobia. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to joint efforts in addressing these challenges through cooperation at regional and international levels.
Roadmap for Future Collaboration
To ensure timely and effective implementation of the agreements, a comprehensive roadmap will be developed, outlining key steps for enhancing trade, investment, and diplomatic collaboration.
At the conclusion of the talks, President Mirziyoyev invited Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to pay an official visit to Uzbekistan, further cementing the growing strategic partnership between the two nations.
