DYTM TUANKU CROWN PRINCE OF PERLIS AND DELEGATION MEMBERS OF ISLAMIC COUNCIL OF STATE OF PERLIS (MAIPs) WORKING VISIT TO UZBEKISTAN

DYTM TUANKU SYED FAIZUDDIN PUTRA IBNI TUANKU SYED SIRAJUDDIN, CROWN PRINCE OF PERLIS AND DELEGATION MEMBERS OF ISLAMIC COUNCIL OF STATE OF PERLIS (MAIPs) WORKING VISIT TO UZBEKISTAN, 04^TH TO 07^TH MARCH, 2012

The 20 members of delegation of the Islamic Council of State of Perlis (MAIPs) who was headed by DYTM Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Ibni Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin was on working visit to Republic of Kazakhstan and Republic of Uzbekistan from 1^st to 7^th March, 2012.

2.         The purpose of the visit is to expose the members of MAIPs on the political, economic and social development of Islamic communities in the Republic of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.  The two countries was chosen in view of its positive political, economic and social development that it had achieved in short period of independence since 1991.

3.         The visit also at the aimed to expose to the MAIPs members on the rich history of Islamic civilizations especially in the Republic of Uzbekistan which had produced a great number of Islamic scholars, ulamas, scientist, astronomies, mathematicians and others between 8^th to 15^th centuries.

4.         During the delegation visits to Uzbekistan, the delegation members have the opportunities to visit historic city of Samarkand and also Tashkent.  The delegation during their stay in Tashkent have been divided into 3 groups i.e. the first group led by DYTM Tuanku Syed Faizuddin had a meeting with the Rector of Tashkent Islamic University, the second group led by Datuk Azizan bin Hamid, the State Secretary of Perlis had a meeting with Uzbekistan National Chamber of Commerce on the possibilities of developing trade relations between Uzbekistan and Perlis.  During the meeting, the Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce expressed its interest to have a joint-venture companies in developing local small and medium size enterprises (SME) and also to import Perlis mangoes to Uzbekistan.  While the third group led by Dr. Juanda bin Jaya, Mufti of Perlis with some of the MAIPs members had a meeting with the Deputy Mufti of Uzbekistan in obtaining information on the development of Islam in Uzbekistan in general. 

5.         Apart of the above programme, DYTM Tuanku Syed Faizuddin who is also Chancellor of University Malaysia Perlis (UNIMAP) has signed a MOU on the cooperation between UNIMAP and Tashkent Financial Institute at later campus on 6^th March, 2012.  During DYTM speech, His Royal Highness highlighted that at the moment, there are about 700 Uzbekistan students currently studying in Malaysia and 60 of them in UNIMAP.  Earlier on, DYTM Tuanku Syed Faizuddin also officiating the opening ceremony of ASLI-GM Malaysia-Uzbekistan joint venture textiles company at Zangi Oto District of Tashkent.

6.         In order to reciprocate of launching of Uzbekistan food weeks in Kuala Lumpur by the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Malaysia in February, 2012, DYTM Tuanku Faizuddin with the cooperation of Embassy of Malaysia in Tashkent and also Ark Amir Restaurant (Malaysian restaurant) in Tashkent have launched the Perlis and Malaysian food fairs in Tashkent for 1 month from 6^th March to 5^th April, 2012.  The launching of Perlis and Malaysian food fairs was attended by Mr. Zakir Abidov, Deputy Chairman of Uzbekistan-Malaysia Friendship Society, Mr. Alisher Shamsiev, Head of International Relations and Investment Department of Uzbektourism National Company and Mr. Shukrat, Head of Asia Pacific Department of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan.  Among the Malaysia signature dishes which were involved in the food promotion are `Nasi Goreng’, `Mee Hoon goreng’, `Satay ayam’, `Rendang Daging’ and `Tomyam Ayam’.

7.         In general, the visit of DYTM Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Ibni Syed Sirajuddin and members of MAIPs to the Republic of Uzbekistan from 4^th to 7^th March, 2012 had met its objectives in exposing the members of MAIPs on the rich heritage of Islamic civilization in Uzbekistan and at the same time, explores the business, tourism and education potentials between the two countries.  The visit of the MAIPs is considered as a good steps in promoting close understandings and cooperation between Malaysia and Uzbekistan especially in the field of religion, trade, tourism and also higher education.  The launching of “Malaysia - Perlis Food Fairs” in Tashkent is timely as to coincide with the 20^th Anniversary of Malaysia-Uzbekistan diplomatic relations which falls earlier on in February, 2012.

Embassy of Malaysia,

Tashkent.

10^th March, 2012