Malaysia An Important Partner in the Region, Says Uzbekistan Ambassador

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 10 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is regarded as an important partner for Uzbekistan in Southeast Asia and across the wider Asian region, with bilateral relations entering a "new chapter" underpinned by over US$5 billion in collaborative ventures and flourishing high-level engagement.

Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to Malaysia Dr Karomiddin Gadoev recalled that Malaysia was among the first nations to recognise Uzbekistan’s independence in 1991, with diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Uzbekistan established on Jan 21, 1992.

"Relations have since developed on the basis of friendship, mutual understanding and respect," he said at a reception to mark Uzbekistan’s 34th Independence Day here on Tuesday night.

Gadoev noted that high-level dialogue between the two nations' leaders and inter-parliamentary exchanges had gained significant momentum.

In May 2024, after a 16-year interval, Malaysia's Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim visited Uzbekistan. This was followed by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s visit to Malaysia in Feb 2025, the first by an Uzbek president in two decades.

“These historic visits and the agreements reached have opened a new chapter in our relations,” he said.

Noting steady growth in trade and investment, Gadoev said more than 40 projects involving Malaysian partners worth over US$5 billion were currently underway in Uzbekistan.

He also highlighted Uzbekistan’s domestic progress under the vision of a “New Uzbekistan”, citing strengthened rights and freedoms, as well as steady economic growth despite global challenges.

“In the past eight years, GDP has doubled from US$57 billion to US$115 billion. This year alone, 9,000 new enterprises and service complexes have been built. The number of small and medium-sized businesses has doubled, now employing over 10 million people,” he said.

The ambassador further reaffirmed Uzbekistan’s commitment to an active and open foreign policy, strengthening ties with neighbouring countries and global partners.

Uzbekistan observes its Independence Day annually on Sept 1, commemorating its declaration of sovereignty in 1991 following the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

The reception was attended by the Crown Prince of Perak, Raja Ja’afar ibni Almarhum Raja Muda Musa, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir and members of the diplomatic corps.

--BERNAMA