15 MEI 2024 - MALAYSIA TONIGHT: BILATERAL RELATIONS STRENGTHENING MALAYSIA-UZBEKISTAN TIES

Summary

In the 'On the Table' episode, Ambassador Dr. Kidin GV of Uzbekistan to Malaysia discusses the strengthening ties and cooperation between Uzbekistan and Malaysia. Prime Minister Anar Ibrahim's upcoming visit to Uzbekistan is highlighted as a historic event, expected to enhance trade, economic relations, and bilateral agreements in various fields including education, healthcare, and smart city development. The ambassador also mentions the significance of tourism and the recent increase in direct flights between the two countries as a boost to people-to-people ties and economic relations. The conversation reveals plans for future business forums and the ambassador's personal interest in Malaysia's rich culture and potential for further collaboration.

Takeaways

• 🤝 Prime Minister Anar Ibrahim's upcoming visit to Uzbekistan marks a strengthening of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
• 🌏 Despite geographical distance, historical ties have led to successful growth in relations over the past six to seven years.
• 📈 The visit is expected to intensify trade and economic relations, with a focus on signing agreements and planning joint projects.
• 🏢 Discussions are underway for the second Uzbek-Malaysian business forum to promote business contacts in various sectors.
• 🌳 Tourism is a key area of cooperation, with a 10-year plan (2023-2033) to enhance tourism promotion and marketing.
• ✈️ Direct flights between Uzbekistan and Malaysia are increasing, which is crucial for boosting tourism, trade, and investment.
• 📚 Ambassador Kidin has written extensively on international relations and considers Malaysia's multi-ethnic and multi-religious society as a source of inspiration.
• 📖 He plans to write a book about Malaysia, possibly titled 'Lines from the Malaysian Diary' or 'Memoirs of a Uzbek Geography from Malaysia'.
• 🔄 There are currently 36 Malaysian companies operating in Uzbekistan and one Uzbek company in Malaysia, with plans for expansion.
• 🕊 The shared Muslim majority and historical Silk Road ties create a strong cultural and religious bond between the two nations.
• 💼 Ambassador Kidin has ambitious plans to increase cooperation in economic, cultural, and humanitarian spheres during his term.

Q & A

What is the purpose of Prime Minister Anar Ibrahim's upcoming visit to Uzbekistan?

The upcoming visit is to strengthen the ties and cooperation between Uzbekistan and Malaysia, particularly in areas such as trade, investments, education, training, healthcare, smart city development, and tourism.

How has the relationship between Uzbekistan and Malaysia evolved over the past few years?

The relationship has grown successfully over the past six to seven years due to the implementation of a new strategy for building a new Uzbekistan, which has intensified bilateral and multilateral cooperation within international organizations.

What is the significance of the upcoming visit after a gap of 16 years since the last visit by a Malaysian Prime Minister?

The visit is historic as it marks the first visit after 16 years and is expected to intensify trade and economic relations, which have a large untapped potential.

What are the expected outcomes of the Prime Minister's visit to Uzbekistan?

The visit is expected to result in the signing of agreements and planning of new joint projects in various areas, including trade, investments, education, training, healthcare, and smart city development.

What was discussed during the meeting between the Ambassador and the Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry?

They discussed hosting the second Uzbek-Malaysian Business Forum in Samarkand during the Prime Minister's visit, which will promote business contacts in various sectors and work out a plan to implement agreements reached during the visit.

What is the significance of the tourism sector in the cooperation between Uzbekistan and Malaysia?

Tourism is considered one of the main pillars in cooperation between the two countries as it is essential for their economies and helps bring the cultures closer to each other.

What are the plans for tourism cooperation between Uzbekistan and Malaysia for the next 10 years?

There are specific cooperation plans, including tourism promotion and marketing, joint research and training, and wider air connectivity between major tourism destinations.

What is the current status of direct flights between Uzbekistan and Malaysia, and what are the future plans?

Currently, there are four direct flights between Kuala Lumpur and Tashkent, with Batik Air planning to expand this further. Negotiations are ongoing with other Malaysian air companies to establish direct flights to historical cities like Samarkand and Bukhara.

How does the Ambassador view Malaysia's importance to Uzbekistan?

The Ambassador views Malaysia as important due to its beautiful nature, developed economy, and its people who are hospitable, multi-national, and multi-religious, living in peace and unity.

What is the Ambassador's background and how does it influence his perspective on the relationship between the two countries?

The Ambassador is an author of 11 books and over 70 scientific articles on international relations and public diplomacy. His background as a geographer scientist provides him with an informed perspective on the similarities and potential of the relationship.

What are the Ambassador's plans for increasing the number of Malaysian and Uzbek companies operating in each other's countries?

The Ambassador has plans for more Malaysian companies to begin operations in Uzbekistan and vice versa, with the aim to widen cooperation in economic, cultural, and humanitarian spheres.