Uzbekistan President Arrives in Malaysia for a Two-Day Official Visit

Uzbekistan’s President, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, arrived here today for a two-day official visit to Malaysia at the invitation of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

This marks Mirziyoyev’s first visit to the country since assuming office as President in December 2016.

The aircraft carrying him and his delegation landed at the Bunga Raya Complex of Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) at 8:30 PM.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tan Sri Johari Abdul, and Minister of Higher Education, Datuk Seri Dr. Zambry Abdul Kadir, welcomed Mirziyoyev and his delegation upon arrival.

Upon arrival, Mirziyoyev inspected the honor guard comprising 29 officers and personnel from the First Battalion of the Royal Ranger Regiment, led by Captain Muhammad Asyraf Zulkifli.

During this visit, Mirziyoyev is scheduled to meet with Anwar, engage with top executives of leading Malaysian companies, and participate in a joint business forum and other events.

Tomorrow, Mirziyoyev will be accorded an official welcoming ceremony at the Perdana Putra Complex in Putrajaya, followed by a meeting with the Prime Minister.

Both leaders are expected to review the progress of Malaysia-Uzbekistan bilateral relations, particularly in trade and investment, the halal industry, education, connectivity, and tourism, following Anwar’s official visit to Uzbekistan in May last year.

Subsequently, the two leaders will witness the exchange of three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in the fields of health, forensic science, and culture.

Anwar and Mirziyoyev are also set to attend the Malaysia-Uzbekistan Business Forum in Kuala Lumpur, providing an opportunity to explore economic cooperation and further strengthen business ties between the two nations.

Both leaders will also attend a dinner hosted by Petronas.

In 2024, total trade between Malaysia and Uzbekistan declined slightly by 13.2 percent to RM369.8 million (US$80.9 million) compared to RM426.1 million (US$94 million) in 2023.

The trade balance favored Malaysia, amounting to RM360.3 million (US$78.9 million).

As of 2024, Uzbekistan remains Malaysia’s second-largest trading partner among Central Asian countries.