On December 18-19, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov made an official visit to Malaysia at the invitation of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. This historic visit was an important step in the development of diplomatic and economic relations between the two countries, which have been maintained since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992.

The visit began with a ceremonial event at Perdana Square in Putrajaya. Following the official meeting, there were held talks at the Prime Minister's Office, during which the parties discussed a wide range of issues, including energy, transport, culture, education and tourism.

The parties noted that successful cooperation in the oil and gas industry, especially with the participation of PETRONAS, is the basis for further development of economic ties. The President of Turkmenistan and the Prime Minister of Malaysia reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the partnership aimed at long-term growth and mutual prosperity, and continuing close cooperation in regional and international organizations, as stated in the Joint Statement signed following the talks.

The parties agreed that the economic partnership between Turkmenistan and Malaysia has great potential and expressed their readiness to develop it on the basis of equality and mutual benefit. In this context, mutual readiness to establish the Turkmen-Malaysian Business Council was expressed.

It was noted that in order to promote contacts and mutual understanding between people, exchange programmes between higher education institutions and research institutes should be further strengthened, in this regard, the President of Turkmenistan and the Prime Minister of Malaysia welcomed the signing of Memorandums of Understanding between universities of both countries.

They also welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Malaysia and the Government of Turkmenistan in the field of tourism, the Memorandum of Understanding between the Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan, as well as between the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan.

The President of Turkmenistan and the Prime Minister of Malaysia witnessed the exchange of notes between the two countries on the Agreement on Partial Waiver of Visas for Holders of Diplomatic and Service Passports, the Agreement on Air Services and Aviation Industry, as well as between the Institutes of International Relations of both countries on cooperation in the field of training diplomats and scientific exchange.

Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Anwar Ibrahim emphasized the need for concerted efforts to create a climate of trust and mutual understanding, as well as to strengthen stability in the region.

Speaking at a press conference following the visit, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized the constructive nature of the talks, noting that the positions of Turkmenistan and Malaysia on current issues on the international agenda coincide or are close.

We see great prospects for joint work on the implementation of projects in such areas as energy, transport and communications, construction, oil and gas processing, chemical industry, high technology, innovative urban development, tourism and other areas, the head of Turkmenistan said.

In general, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov highly appreciated the results of the visit to Malaysia: the agreements reached and important documents adopted will significantly deepen bilateral relations and realize the enormous potential for cooperation in trade, economic, cultural, humanitarian and other areas. During the visit, the President of Turkmenistan visited the office of Petronas, where he met with the management of the Malaysian company Petronas Carigali. Priority areas of cooperation and its prospects were discussed at the meeting.

As part of the official visit of the President of Turkmenistan to Malaysia, members of the government delegation of our country held meetings with Malaysian colleagues in Kuala Lumpur, during which key issues of bilateral cooperation in various areas were discussed.

Following the negotiations, a package of documents was signed, including memorandums of understanding between Turkmen and Malaysian universities.

ORIENT