Malaysia and Uzbekistan recognised the importance of strengthening their existing bilateral relations and expressed their shared commitment to elevating these ties to the level of strategic partnership in the future, according to Bernama.

The statement, issued in conjunction with Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s two-day official visit to Malaysia beginning Tuesday, said in order to achieve this ambitious goal, both countries agreed to work towards enhancing bilateral trade and comprehensive cooperation.

The cooperation will be across several key areas of mutual interest, and such efforts are expected to bring tangible benefits to the people of both countries.

“In realising the full potential of bilateral relations, both leaders recognised the need to maintain regular contacts, consultations and close coordination at various levels, as well as fostering a regular exchange of ideas and opinions on key international issues in the margins of international meetings and conferences...” the joint statement said.

The statement added that the international meetings include the United Nations (UN), Organisation of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and other important global organisation frameworks as indicated in the Programme of Cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Foreign Ministry of Malaysia for 2023-2026, signed on July 4, 2023.

According to the joint statement, Mirziyoyev congratulated Anwar and reiterated Uzbekistan’s full support of Malaysia’s assumption of the chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025.

Both leaders expressed their commitment to intensifying cooperation between ASEAN and Uzbekistan.