Strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between Uzbekistan and Malaysia reached a new milestone with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s official visit to Malaysia on February 4-5, 2025, at the invitation of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The visit marked a significant chapter in the evolving partnership, opening up new areas of collaboration across multiple sectors.
Malaysia was among the first countries to recognise Uzbekistan’s independence and established diplomatic relations on February 21, 1992. The Joint Communiqué signed on April 3, 1993, laid the foundation for bilateral cooperation, which has grown into a strong and productive dialogue at the highest levels. Despite the geographical distance, shared values and mutual respect have solidified a robust relationship between the two nations.
During his visit, President Mirziyoyev reflected on his meeting with Malaysia’s former King, Sultan Abdullah Riyatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai in December 2023, further affirming the close ties.
A major boost to this relationship occurred in May 2024, when Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim visited Uzbekistan. The visit resulted in a joint statement on deepening multifaceted cooperation, focusing on political dialogue, trade, investment, and cultural exchanges. Notably, the Uzbek-Malaysian Business Forum in Samarkand yielded 19 investment agreements worth over $3 billion, setting the groundwork for increased bilateral collaboration.
Expanding Economic and Cultural Cooperation
Economic and cultural ties between Uzbekistan and Malaysia continue to thrive. The Malaysian Corporation for the Development of Foreign Trade (MATRADE) opened a representative office in Tashkent in 2019, significantly boosting trade relations. An agricultural exhibition in Petaling Jaya in late 2024 showcased Uzbekistan’s competitive food products, underscoring the growing trade potential.
In 2024, bilateral trade exceeded $102 million, with both countries committed to further growth. Currently, 40 Malaysian-backed enterprises operate in Uzbekistan, complemented by several infrastructure projects valued at $12 million.
Cultural and Educational Collaboration
Left: H.E. Shavkat Mirziyoyev (President of Uzbekistan ) Right: Anwar bin Ibrahim (Prime Minister of Malaysia)
Cultural exchanges are an essential aspect of the Uzbek-Malaysian partnership. Over 500 Uzbek students are enrolled in Malaysian universities, while the Malaysian Government’s Technical Cooperation Program (MTCP) has trained 900 Uzbek specialists since 1994. Joint conferences on Islamic civilization studies further strengthen academic and cultural ties.
Tourism remains a key area of cooperation. Since 2018, Uzbekistan has offered a 30-day visa-free entry for Malaysian citizens. In 2024, nearly 10,000 Malaysian tourists visited Uzbekistan, driven by shared heritage and cultural exploration opportunities. The halal industry and Islamic banking have emerged as promising new fields for cooperation, with Malaysia’s expertise offering Uzbekistan the chance to integrate into global supply chains and expand its Islamic finance sector.
Future Prospects
Left: Baxtiyor Saidov (Minister of foreign affairs) Right: Datuk Mohamad Bin Alamin (Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs)
President Mirziyoyev’s visit reaffirmed the shared commitment of Uzbekistan and Malaysia to deepen ties. The agreements signed during this visit will pave the way for new strategic projects, enhancing regional stability and creating additional opportunities for business, education, and cultural exchanges.
With both nations committed to sustainable development and innovation, the growing partnership promises a prosperous future, reflecting mutual respect, cultural appreciation, and a shared vision for long-term progress.
