Speeches & Statements

JOINT STATEMENT

between Malaysia and the Republic of Uzbekistan on Enhancing Cooperation towards the Strategic Partnership for Future Generation

1. The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, His Excellency Shavkat Mirziyoyev, undertook an Official Visit to Malaysia from 4 to 5 February 2025 at the invitation of the Prime Minister of Malaysia, the Honourable Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

2. The Official Visit by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev was his first visit to Malaysia, following the Official Visit of Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim to the Republic of Uzbekistan from 17 to 19 May 2024, which strengthened the relations between both countries. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992, both countries have enjoyed mutual benefits across various fields of interest, underpinned by ongoing cooperation, as highlighted in the recent Joint Statement on Deepening Multifaceted Cooperation between the Republic of Uzbekistan and Malaysia, signed on 17 May 2024 in conjunction with Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to the Republic of Uzbekistan.

3. During his visit, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev was accorded a ceremonial welcome on 5 February 2025 at the Perdana Square, Prime Minister’s Office, Putrajaya. After the ceremony, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (hereinafter referred to as “the Leaders” or “both Leaders”). Both Leaders held substantive discussions, which took place in a warm and cordial atmosphere. The discussion covered a wide range of bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest.

4. Both Leaders recognised the importance of strengthening the existing bilateral relations and expressed their shared commitment to elevating these ties to the level of Strategic Partnership in the future. In order to achieve this ambitious goal, both countries agreed to work towards enhancing bilateral trade and comprehensive cooperation across other key areas of mutual interest, and such efforts are expected to bring tangible benefits to the people of both countries. 

5. In realising the full potential of bilateral relations, both Leaders recognised the need to maintain regular contacts, consultations and close coordination at various levels, as well as fostering a regular exchange of ideas and opinions on key international issues in the margins of international meetings and conferences such as the United Nations (UN), Organisation of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and other important international organisation frameworks as indicated in the Program of Cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia for 2023 – 2026, signed on 4 July 2023.

6. The Leaders underscored the important role of the ‘friendship groups’ in the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the House of Representatives of the Parliament of Malaysia in enhancing bilateral relations. They expressed their support for further strengthening interparliamentary ties through the exchange of visits and the organisation of joint events.

7. The Leaders expressed strong confidence in the continued growth and untapped economic potential between the Republic of Uzbekistan and Malaysia. In this regard, both Leaders noted with satisfaction the successful convening of the Inaugural Malaysia-Uzbekistan Intergovernmental Joint Commission (IJC) Meeting on 29 May 2024 in Putrajaya, Malaysia. This marks a significant milestone in advancing a more structured and sustainable approach to deepening economic cooperation between the two countries. Building on this success, both Leaders agreed that the 2nd Intergovernmental Joint Commission Meeting to be held in the Republic of Uzbekistan, in 2025, will further strengthen bilateral ties and lay the groundwork for expanding trade, investment, and economic collaboration.

8. The Leaders also welcomed the successful outcomes of the business forums held in May 2024 in Samarkand, in September 2024 in Khiva, the Republic of Uzbekistan and in February 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, which made significant contributions to strengthening trade and economic relations between the two countries. In furthering this momentum, the Leaders committed to ensuring active participation from relevant stakeholders on both sides in exhibitions and trade fairs hosted in each country. They also agreed to promote the regular and effective organisation of joint business events aimed at facilitating deeper economic collaboration, fostering new business opportunities, and enhancing bilateral trade ties. 

9. The Uzbek side has expressed a keen interest in collaborating with PETRONAS, particularly in the areas of the petrochemicals sector and clean green energy solutions. PETRONAS is pleased to support this endeavour by establishing cooperation in terms of technical support, exchange of information, and consultation for the related area of interest, while also exploring opportunities for the joint implementation of mutually beneficial investment projects.

10. Looking ahead, both Leaders emphasised the importance of enhancing economic cooperation in key sectors such as renewable energy, the Halal industry, digitalisation, Artificial Intelligence, Smart City Development and startup development, among others, to yield mutual benefits for both countries. Both Leaders expressed their interest to explore partnerships in palm oil industry.

11. Both Leaders noted the promising prospects for establishing an UzbekMalaysian industrial zone in Uzbekistan, introducing best practices and expertise in the development and ореrаtiоn of industrial раrks, fostering соllаbоrаtiоn in attracting management companies, раrk managers and other investors fоr participation in the planning and development of the industrial zones in Uzbekistan.

12. The Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to combating corruption and expressed high appreciation for the mutual cooperation between the anticorruption bodies of both countries. They agreed to enhance collaboration in anti-corruption education for civil servants and law enforcement officers and to promote the regular exchange of experiences and best practices on anticorruption issues.

13. Both Leaders agreed to further strengthen exchange programmes between institutions of higher education and research institutes as part of the efforts to promote people-to-people contact and mutual understanding. They also highlighted the importance of expanding educational cooperation in areas such as joint research, academic partnerships, as well as the sharing of expertise, with the aim of fostering closer ties and knowledge exchange between both countries.  

14. Recognising the importance of tourism, both Leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation by taking advantage of the 'Visit Malaysia 2026' and exploring opportunities in Islamic and Halal tourism, including the 'Umrah+' programme to promote Malaysia and the Republic of Uzbekistan as pre or post pilgrimage tourism destinations for visitors from both countries. Both Leaders agreed to utilise the direct Kuala Lumpur – Tashkent flight of Uzbekistan Airways and Batik Air Malaysia to enhance transportation accessibility.

15. The Leaders welcomed the conclusion of documents on the cooperation in the fields of Forensic Activities, Health, Halal Conformity Assessment, Higher Education, Customs, Diplomatic Training and Culture.

16. Both Leaders expressed their deep satisfaction with the continued success of the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP), which has been instrumental in enhancing bilateral relations and fostering greater cooperation between the two countries. Malaysia reaffirms its commitment to further support the Republic of Uzbekistan through the MTCP, ensuring the continued development of key sectors and the sharing of expertise.

17. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev extended his congratulations to Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim and reiterated the Republic of Uzbekistan’s full support of Malaysia’s assumption of the Chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2025. Both Leaders expressed their commitment to intensifying cooperation between ASEAN and the Republic of Uzbekistan. In this regard, Malaysia reiterated its support for the Republic of Uzbekistan's aspirations for institutional engagement with ASEAN and its interest in considering accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), recognising its potential to further enhance regional peace and stability.

18. The Leaders noted the active cooperation on key issues within the framework of international organisations, particularly the United Nations (UN) and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and reaffirmed their commitment to continuing mutual support for each other's initiatives and candidatures.

19. They emphasised their support for taking joint measures in both bilateral and multilateral formats to combat emerging security threats and challenges, primarily those related to transnational crime including terrorism and terrorism financing, drug trafficking, illegal migration and others. 

20. Recognising the existing historical ties, shared religious values, and common spiritual heritage that bind the two countries, the Leaders agreed to continue strengthening cooperation between research centres in studying and promoting the rich legacy of Islamic civilisation. They expressed concern over the growing prevalence of religious intolerance and Islamophobia in some parts of the world and reaffirmed their commitment to promote interreligious tolerance and harmony on a global scale for the greater good of the Ummah.

21. Both Leaders reaffirmed that international challenges must be resolved through peaceful means, including the Palestinian cause, in full accordance with international law and relevant United Nations resolutions. Leaders called for unimpeded access of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian territory. Both Leaders emphasised the importance of a just and lasting solution to the abovementioned challenge of bringing peace and stability to the region.

22. The Leaders noted the importance of not isolating Afghanistan and continuing to provide assistance to the Afghan people, including capacity building and humanitarian aid, to prevent an impending humanitarian crisis and improve the lives and the livelihoods of the Afghan people.

23. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev expressed deep appreciation and sincere gratitude to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the people of Malaysia for their warm welcome and generous hospitality extended to the delegation of The Republic of Uzbekistan during their stay in Malaysia and extended an invitation to the Prime Minister of Malaysia to visit Uzbekistan at a mutually agreeable date.

Signed in Putrajaya on 5 February 2025 in two originals in English and Uzbek languages.