Kyrgyzstan and Malaysia Seek to Strengthen Bilateral Ties

Parliament Speaker Nurlanbek Shakiev warmly received Malaysian Foreign Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir during his official visit to Kyrgyzstan on July 3. Kyrgyzstan and Malaysia are actively engaging in initiatives aimed at strengthening their bilateral ties, paving the way for increased cooperation and mutual benefits. The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation in various spheres, including politics, economics, culture, and humanitarian efforts, with a particular emphasis on fostering interparliamentary ties.

Highlights of the Meeting

• Speaker Shakiev highlighted the importance of enhancing bilateral trade and drew attention to the upcoming Kyrgyz-Malaysian business forum, which aims to create new avenues for economic collaboration.
• He also emphasized Kyrgyzstan’s potential as a producer of organic fruits, vegetables, and clean meat products that meet the high standards and requirements of the halal industry. In this regard, he urged exploring the possibility of exporting these products to Malaysia.
• Speaker Shakiev proposed expanding cooperation in the realm of tourism, citing Kyrgyzstan’s unique natural beauty and its appeal to tourists throughout all four seasons. He extended an invitation to Malaysian citizens to visit his country and suggested the establishment of direct flights to facilitate travel between the two nations.
• Foreign Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir expressed Malaysia’s keen interest in forging closer ties with Kyrgyzstan, particularly in the areas of trade and tourism. He noted that Malaysia is a major producer of halal food products and that there is a growing demand for these products in Kyrgyzstan.
• The two sides also discussed the possibility of collaborating in the field of education. Speaker Shakiev expressed interest in sending Kyrgyz students to study in Malaysia, while Foreign Minister Kadir proposed establishing a Malaysian university in Kyrgyzstan.

Significance of the Visit

The visit of Foreign Minister Kadir to Kyrgyzstan is a significant step in the development of bilateral relations between the two countries. It is the first official visit by a Malaysian foreign minister to Kyrgyzstan in over 20 years. The meeting between Speaker Shakiev and Foreign Minister Kadir has helped to pave the way for further cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and Malaysia in a wide range of areas.

Future Prospects

The two sides expressed their commitment to working together to further strengthen bilateral ties. They agreed to hold regular high-level meetings to discuss ways to enhance cooperation in various fields. They also agreed to establish a working group to explore the possibility of signing a bilateral trade agreement.

The visit of Foreign Minister Kadir to Kyrgyzstan is a positive development that has the potential to boost relations between the two countries. The two sides have identified a number of areas where they can cooperate, and they have agreed to take steps to further strengthen their ties. The future prospects for bilateral relations between Kyrgyzstan and Malaysia are bright.

In addition to the above, here are some other areas where Kyrgyzstan and Malaysia could cooperate:

• Energy: Kyrgyzstan is a major producer of hydroelectric power, while Malaysia is a major consumer of energy. The two countries could cooperate in the development of hydroelectric projects in Kyrgyzstan and the export of electricity to Malaysia.
• ICT: Kyrgyzstan is a hub for information and communication technology (ICT) in Central Asia, while Malaysia is a leading ICT player in Southeast Asia. The two countries could cooperate in the development of ICT infrastructure and services in Kyrgyzstan and Malaysia.
• Agriculture: Kyrgyzstan is a major producer of agricultural products, while Malaysia is a major consumer of agricultural products. The two countries could cooperate in the development of agricultural trade and the exchange of agricultural technologies.

The cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and Malaysia in these and other areas would benefit both countries and help to promote regional development. With a shared commitment to deepening their relationship, Kyrgyzstan and Malaysia are poised to forge stronger bonds that will contribute to the prosperity and growth of both nations.