On June 19, talks were held in Ashgabat between President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim in an expanded format with the participation of delegations from both countries. This was reported by the online newspaper "Turkmenistan: The Golden Age."
As the head of state noted, Turkmen-Malaysian relations have been developing consistently and effectively for more than thirty years. During this time, 9 mutual visits at the highest level have taken place, and a legal framework for cooperation has been established, comprising a large package of intergovernmental and interdepartmental documents.
It was emphasized that Turkmenistan sees in Malaysia, which was among the first to recognize the independence of our country and establish diplomatic relations, a true friend, a reliable partner, and a like-minded ally on many issues of global and regional politics.
At the same time, the desire to pursue cooperation in such areas as the transition to the climate agenda and energy, the development of interregional dialogue between Central and Southeast Asia, and the promotion of new transport and logistics corridors on the Asian continent was noted.
"We consider it necessary to strengthen the partnership within the framework of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. We must promote the establishment of systematic intercultural dialogue, overcome outdated norms and views, and contribute to enhancing the role and authority of the OIC," the head of state emphasized.
Trade, economic, and investment spheres were identified among the important vectors of bilateral relations.
As noted, the oil and gas sector serves as a strategic direction of Turkmen-Malaysian cooperation. The company Petronas is one of our country's principal partners, the head of state emphasized, giving a high assessment of its activities in Turkmenistan.
During the talks, it was noted that both countries have great opportunities for developing cooperation in such areas as high technologies, the financial and banking sector, the textile industry, transport and communications, agriculture and water management, and urban planning.
The cultural and humanitarian sphere is an integral part of interstate relations. As noted, our peoples possess ancient traditions and a rich historical heritage, familiarity with which promotes the mutual enrichment of cultures. In this regard, the importance of holding cross-cultural Days of Culture in both countries was discussed.
Placing special emphasis on the successful experience of Turkmen-Malaysian cooperation in the field of training professional and experienced specialists, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov stated the advisability of establishing direct contacts between the academic structures of our countries and organizing scientific exchanges. Tourism was named among the promising vectors, where broad opportunities for developing cooperation exist.
In conclusion, the head of Turkmenistan noted that the current visit of the distinguished guest is intended to contribute to the strengthening of interstate relations.
Again expressing gratitude for the hospitality shown, the head of government of the friendly country emphasized that the visit of the head of Turkmenistan to Malaysia in December 2024 and the current historic visit have opened new horizons for deepening mutually beneficial interstate partnership.
As Anwar Ibrahim emphasized, during the official visit of the head of Turkmenistan to Malaysia, issues of developing effective cooperation in the trade and economic sphere were discussed, in particular with the company Petronas, with special emphasis placed on the significance of cultural and humanitarian ties and cultural commonality.
The translation into Malay of the valuable works of the great son of the Turkmen people, the poet Magtymguly Fragi, is a vivid example of cultural dialogue, the head of government of Malaysia continued, reporting that approximately 100 poems by the poet have been translated to date.
Noting the great authority of the head of independent, permanently neutral Turkmenistan — President Serdar Berdimuhamedov — on the international stage, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated that Turkmenistan is a strategically important partner of Malaysia.
As was emphasized, relevant work is currently underway to intensify interregional cooperation between ASEAN and Central Asia. In this regard, the importance of joint efforts to strengthen partnership in this sphere was noted.
"Malaysia is interested in studying the rich and modern experience of Turkmenistan in the energy sphere, in the area of organizing the work of information centers and other directions, and also highly values the long-standing cooperation with the company Petronas," said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Cooperation in the field of education, in particular in the training of highly qualified specialists, is a vivid testament to the fruitful relations, the head of government of the friendly country continued, confirming Malaysia's readiness for further expansion of partnership in this direction.
In conclusion, the head of government of Malaysia expressed confidence that as a result of joint efforts, the unbreakable bonds of friendship between the peoples of the two countries will continue to be strengthened.
