PUTRAJAYA — Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev made his first official visit to Malaysia on February 5, 2025, meeting Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Putrajaya. The visit follows Ibrahim’s trip to Uzbekistan in May 2024.
The leaders agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership level, focusing on:
- Economic cooperation in renewable energy, Halal industry, and AI
- Development of an Uzbek-Malaysian industrial zone
- Tourism promotion through direct Kuala Lumpur-Tashkent flights
- Educational and anti-corruption collaboration
Both nations signed agreements on forensics, health, Halal assessment, education, customs, and culture. Uzbekistan expressed interest in PETRONAS collaboration for petrochemicals and clean energy projects.
Malaysia, as incoming ASEAN chair for 2025, pledged support for Uzbekistan’s engagement with ASEAN. The leaders also discussed regional issues including Afghanistan and Palestine.
Uzbekistan and Malaysia are strengthening their 32-year diplomatic relationship through expanding economic and cultural ties, despite their geographical distance. The partnership, established in 1992, has grown significantly with bilateral trade reaching $102 million in 2024.
The connection is built on shared Islamic heritage and aligned national development goals – Uzbekistan’s “2030” strategy and Malaysia’s “Madani” vision. This alignment has fostered cooperation in Islamic banking, halal industry, and cultural preservation.
Malaysian expertise has left its mark on Uzbekistan’s development, with 40 Malaysian companies operating in the country. Conversely, Malaysian architecture showcases Uzbek influences, most notably in the iconic Petronas Towers and major mosques.
Educational exchanges form a cornerstone of bilateral relations, with over 500 Uzbek students attending Malaysian universities. Since 1994, more than 900 Uzbek specialists have received training through Malaysia’s Technical Cooperation Program.
Tourism continues to grow, supported by visa-free entry for Malaysians and direct flights between the capitals. In 2024, nearly 10,000 Malaysian tourists visited Uzbekistan, exploring its rich Islamic heritage and historical sites.
A significant milestone was reached in May 2024 when both nations signed investment agreements worth $3 billion, marking a new chapter in economic cooperation. The partnership extends to international forums, with both countries actively supporting each other’s initiatives in the UN and OIC.
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