Uzbekistan, Malaysia leaders pledge to strengthen ties, boost cooperation

By Alperen Aktas

ISTANBUL (AA) — Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim met Wednesday at the Perdana Putra government complex to strengthen bilateral ties and expand cooperation.

According to the Uzbekistan Presidency, Mirziyoyev thanked Anwar Ibrahim for the warm reception in Putrajaya, Malaysia’s governance seat located south of the capital Kuala Lumpur, and praised the Southeast Asian country's “Madani” national strategy.

Malaysia Madani is a policy framework introduced by Anwar that focuses on good governance, sustainable development and racial harmony.

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening political, economic, and cultural ties.

The meeting highlighted Anwar’s visit to Uzbekistan last May, which accelerated bilateral relations. Since then, political dialogue, trade, joint ventures, and air connectivity have increased.

Last year, the first Intergovernmental Commission meeting was held, and a Business Council was established. Experts also discussed tourism, cultural heritage, and higher education.

To enhance coordination, both sides agreed to create a strategic dialogue platform between their foreign ministers and pledged mutual support in international organizations.

Trade and investment were key topics. The leaders agreed to develop a preferential trade agreement, organize industrial exhibitions, and adopt an industrial cooperation program.

Malaysia reaffirmed support for Uzbekistan’s World Trade Organization (WTO) accession.

The leaders declared 2025-2026 the period of “Innovative Development of Uzbekistan-Malaysia Partnership,” focusing on petrochemicals, electronics, semiconductors, smart agriculture, and green energy. A special economic zone in the Tashkent region will be managed by a leading Malaysian company.

They also emphasized cultural exchanges, announcing cultural weeks in both countries this year. Discussions covered regional security, stressing joint efforts against terrorism, radicalism, and Islamophobia.

The leaders agreed to draft a “roadmap” for implementing agreements efficiently. Mirziyoyev also invited Anwar for an official visit to Uzbekistan.

Following discussions in Kuala Lumpur, both leaders signed a joint statement to deepen bilateral cooperation and strengthen strategic ties.