Today, talks between President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim took place here.

As was already informed, the day before the head of the state arrived in this country with an official visit, which is called to open a new landmark in the history of Turkmen-Malaysian cooperation. In the context of development of multilateral cooperation with states of the Asian-Pacific region, Turkmenistan consistently strengthens traditional relations with Malaysia, based on principles of mutual respect. In this regard, the bilateral trade and economic partnership, which meets mutual interests, is intensified. Malaysia, which enters into the number of rapidly developing states of the region, is one of the reliable partners of our country.

… This morning the head of Turkmenistan accompanied by the escort of motorcyclists arrived in the building of the Government of Malaysia - Perdana Putra.

Here, on the square of the Perdana, Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim warmly welcomes President Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

Having exchanged friendly handshakes, the head of Turkmenistan and the head of the Government of Malaysia along the carpet runner headed towards the venue of official ceremony of the meeting.

National anthems of two countries play.

The commander of the company of the Guard of Honour pays the report President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. The Head of the state passes by the line of soldiers of the Guard of Honour.

Further, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim are acquainted with members of governmental delegations of two countries. The honoured guest is also introduced to heads of diplomatic missions accredited to Malaysia.

After the traditional ceremony of official photographing, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim enter the building of the Government of Malaysia. Here, the head of the Turkmen state makes a note in the Book of guests of honour.

Then, negotiations between President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim took place in the narrow format.

Once again, having greeted the honoured guest, the head of the Government of the friendly country expressed to the head of Turkmenistan his gratitude for the invitation accepted to make an official visit to Malaysia.

President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, first of all, on behalf of the delegation of Turkmenistan thanked for hospitality as well as conveyed words of a greeting from National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to the Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Availing of the opportunity, the head of the state on behalf of Hero-Arkadag and on his own behalf expressed words of greeting and deep respect to Supreme Head of Malaysia of Sultan Ibrahim.

Having expressed confidence that the present visit is called to promote the further strengthening of mutual relations, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that Turkmenistan and Malaysia are aimed at consecutive enhancement of partnership in political-diplomatic, trade and economic and cultural-humanitarian spheres.

Our countries also closely cooperate within the framework of large international structures, first of all, with the United Nations Organization, Organizations of Islamic Cooperation and Non-Alignment Movement. Turkmenistan together with Malaysia stands for equality and justice in international affairs, achievement of goals of sustainable development. In this connection, the head of the state expressed gratitude to the Malaysian party for support of the neutral foreign policy and important international initiatives of Turkmenistan set forward within the framework of the United Nations and other international structures.

Having confirmed readiness of Turkmenistan for joint work with Malaysia to expand interstate relations, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov thanked once again Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for hearty welcome.

During the meeting, having spoken for the further strengthening of constructive political dialogue, promotion of trade and economic relations, interlocutors also underlined the importance of encouragement of humanitarian-cultural links, which act as an integral component of bilateral cooperation and facilitate consolidation of bonds of friendship between peoples of Turkmenistan and Malaysia.

The parties also exchanged opinions on topical issues of regional and global policy of mutual interest.

Further negotiations proceeded in an expanded format with participation of members of the governmental delegations of Turkmenistan and Malaysia.

Warmly having greeted the honoured guest and delegation of Turkmenistan, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim underlined that Malaysia pays huge attention to cooperation with our country. Taking an opportunity, the head of the Malaysian Government on his own behalf and on behalf of the Supreme Head of Malaysia of Sultan Ibrahim expressed words of greeting and best regards to National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, having pointed out a great significance of results of the official visit of Hero-Arkadag to Malaysia in 2016.

In this regard, the significance of the present visit of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov in the light of further strengthening of interstate partnership was underlined.

Focusing attention on issues of interaction in the fuel and energy sector, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed his sincere gratitude on behalf of Malaysia to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov for favourable conditions created in Turkmenistan for effective work of Petronas national oil and gas company.

It was also underlined that the cultural-humanitarian dialogue acts among priorities of bilateral cooperation. The current year, Turkmenistan, which possessed rich culture and glorious history, solemnly marked the 300th anniversary of great Turkmen poet Magtymguly Fragi who through his poems called for humanism, unity and justice. Research workers of Malaysia are engaged in translation of his works into the Malay language. Certainly, creativity of Magtymguly Fragi became an integral part of treasury of world literature.

Then, the floor was given to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

Once again having thanked on behalf of the delegation of our country for the invitation to visit Malaysia and for hospitality, the head of the state noted that Turkmen-Malaysian relations go back over 30 years. For the past time a solid practice of bilateral interaction has been gained and its contract-legal basis has been developed.

Several mutual high-level visits were exchanged, interstate cooperation is based upon principles of equality, respect and mutual benefit. Speaking of it, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed confidence that the present dynamics of close dialogue and this visit will give an additional impulse for bilateral partnership and allow bringing it out to the qualitatively new level.

In this connection, the head of Turkmenistan proposed to outline areas of consecutive promotion of mutual relations.

- We successfully co-operate and we support each other within the framework of large international structures such as the United Nations Organization, Organization of Islamic Cooperation and Non-Alignment Movement. We also highly appreciate the respect Malaysia for the foreign policy of Turkmenistan, - President Serdar Berdimuhamedov stated, having confirmed that our country will further support initiatives of the Malaysian party on enhancement of international peace and security, achievement of goals of sustainable development.

In recent years, the parliamentary diplomacy has assumed a special role on the international scene. Speaking of it, the head of the state underlined the importance of Turkmen-Malaysian parliamentary cooperation. In the given aspect, it was proposed to make active interaction between members of parliaments and to develop the plan of participation of representatives of legislature in large international forums held in both countries.

President Serdar Berdimuhamedov also noted expediency of adjustment of regular political consultations with a view of intensification of cooperation between foreign policy departments.

A key segment of Turkmen-Malaysian relations is trade and economic partnership. In this plan, it was proposed to consider in detail issues of interaction in such branches as agriculture, textile industry, energy and transport.

In this regard, a special role is given to business circles of both countries. In 2015, we organised the Joint Turkmen -Malaysian business forum in Kuala Lumpur, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted and suggested to hold the following forum in Ashgabat.

The head of the state also underlined importance of establishment of direct business contacts between Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan and Malaysia, which should provide participation of enterprises and companies in exhibitions, fairs and forums held in our countries.

At the same time, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov proposed to create the joint Turkmen-Malaysian intergovernmental commission on economic, scientific, and technical cooperation for promotion of trade and economic partnership.

Along with it, the head of the state underlined that Turkmenistan attaches a great significance to development of humanitarian links and supports the holding of Days of culture and international festivals and exhibitions with participation of representatives of the sphere of culture and art, creative figures of two countries.

Having noted that in 2015 in Malaysia Days of culture of Turkmenistan took place, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov proposed to hold the next year Days of culture of Malaysia in Ashgabat.

Speaking of increasing interest of citizens of Turkmenistan in education in higher educational institutions of Malaysia where now about 300 students from our country study, the head of the state underlined that renewal of air flights between Ashgabat and Kuala Lumpur will create additional possibilities for strengthening relations between our people.

President Serdar Berdimuhamedov also noted that the decision on organization of the World Water Congress and Exhibition in 2028 in the state of Sarawak once again confirms topicality of initiatives of Malaysia on the international scene. In this connection, the head of the state stated that Turkmenistan would directly participate in the work of the high-level forum and taking an opportunity, wished great successes in preparation and conduction of the World Water Congress and Exhibition.

Having thanked Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim once again for fruitful negotiations and readiness to develop the relation of friendship, mutual understanding and cooperation between Turkmenistan and Malaysia, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov extended his wishes of peace and well-being to the people of Malaysia.

Having expressed his gratitude to the head of Turkmenistan for comprehensive statement and constructive proposals, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that interaction in political -diplomatic, economic, agricultural and cultural spheres takes an important place in the interstate dialogue.

Having marked that President Serdar Berdimuhamedov pays active attention to development of friendship with Malaysia, the head of the Malaysian Government expressed confidence in further successful continuation of mutually beneficial cooperation.

Malaysia attaches a great significance to development of partnership with Turkmenistan in the trade sphere. In this context, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim confirmed readiness to strengthen cooperation in trade of food production and exchange of experience in this area.

Having noted that Turkmenistan actively cooperates with Petronas Oil and Gas Company, the head of the government of the friendly country on behalf of the given company expressed gratitude for the assistance rendered in this area.

Having stated that bilateral cooperation in the education sphere continues to expand, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim underlined that fruitful relations in the field of training of specialists will further develop.

Malaysia attaches a great significance to the strengthening of relations between Kuala Lumpur and Ashgabat. There are ample opportunities for intensification of cooperation between two countries. Speaking of it and having noted that in Turkmenistan initiatives on creation of "green" and "smart" cities with introduction of high technologies are realised, the head of the Malaysian Government expressed to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov his sincere congratulations on achievements in the field.

Focusing attention on international initiatives, which are put forward by Turkmenistan with a view of solution of topical issues of today, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, underlined that the experience, which has been gained by our country in this area, is also rather important for Malaysia.

As was marked, thanks to adjustment of direct flights between two states, a considerable progress is observed in cooperation in the tourism sphere and increase in number of tourists also testifies to this fact. In this plan, readiness to introduce various easy terms for tourists and to continue target interaction that will promote in turn the strengthening of friendship between citizens of both countries was stated.

Having noted that President Serdar Berdimuhamedov outlined energy, transport and technologies as perspective areas of partnership, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim confirmed readiness of Malaysia for realisation of projects in these areas. At the same time, support of the initiative of Turkmenistan on creation of the «Central Asia + ASEAN» format and readiness for cooperation in its frameworks was expressed.

In conclusion, having underlined that in the foreign policy Turkmenistan adheres to neutrality principles, and that Malaysia supports this constructive strategy, the head of the Malaysian Government congratulated with achievements of neutrality of our country on the international scene.

Upon completion of negotiations in in an expanded format, the ceremony of signing of the bilateral document took place.

Under the applause of the participants, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim put their signatures under the Joint Statement between Turkmenistan and Malaysia on results of the official visit.

The parties also exchanged notes of the Agreement between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Government of Malaysia about partial cancellation of visa requirements; notes of the Agreement between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Government of Malaysia on air transport and cooperation in the field of aviation industry; diplomatic notes of mutual understanding between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Government of Malaysia in the field of training of diplomats and cooperation in scientific exchange; the Memorandum of mutual understanding between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Government of Malaysia on cooperation in tourism; the Protocol on the Commercial Terms of the Production Sharing Agreement for the Development of the Toplum-I Contractual Territory in the Turkmen section of the Caspian Sea; Memorandum of Understanding between the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan and the Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Memorandum of Understanding between the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan and the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia.

The head of the Government of Malaysia expressed gratitude to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov for the efforts to intensify cooperation in trade and economic spheres, as well as firm confidence that Turkmen-Malaysian collaboration will expand not only in these areas but also in fields such as agriculture and new technologies aimed at sustainable development.

Noting the importance of international events dedicated to the 300th anniversary of the birth of the great Turkmen poet and thinker Magtymguly Fragi, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated that Malaysia's diplomatic mission in Turkmenistan, in collaboration with Turkmen scholars and linguists, is working on translating the poems of this outstanding literary figure into Malay language.

It was emphasized that the rich literary heritage of Magtymguly Fragi is known worldwide. In Malaysia, the works of this prominent representative of Turkmen classical literature are also held in high regard. Translating the poet's works into Malay will allow Malaysian readers to directly acquaint themselves with writings imbued with ideas of peace, friendship, brotherhood, mutual understanding and unity. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also expressed confidence that cultural and humanitarian cooperation would contribute to strengthening fruitful dialogue between our countries and peoples, which are guided by principles of mutual understanding and respect, openness and shared interests in universal development.

Then, addressing media representatives, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, on behalf of the Turkmenistan delegation, thanked Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for the invitation and the conditions created for joint work.

"Today we held very constructive negotiations driven by the interests of our peoples. These discussions allowed us to outline prospects for economic development and to address issues of regional and international policy," the head of state said. In this regard, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov thanked the representatives of Malaysia for the high-level talks. 

Noting that Turkmenistan's and Malaysia's positions on pressing international issues either coincide or are close, the head of Turkmenistan emphasized that both countries adhere to principles of peace, equality and non-interference in the internal affairs of other states, advocating for strengthening security and stability at global and regional levels.

It was highlighted that Turkmenistan and Malaysia are staunch supporters of building a fair and balanced system of international relations based on considering the interests of all states and strengthening the positions of developing countries in global politics. Today's meetings and negotiations confirmed both sides' commitment to these goals.

President Serdar Berdimuhamedov also stressed that Turkmenistan highly values equal and mutually beneficial relations with Malaysia within major international organizations, particularly the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

The negotiations held today covered a wide range of cooperation areas. In particular, both sides expressed interest in establishing and expanding trade and economic ties.

From this perspective, the head of state noted the vast prospects for joint work on implementing projects in areas such as energy, transport and communication, construction, oil and gas processing, the chemical industry, high technologies, innovative urban development, tourism and others. He reaffirmed Turkmenistan's interest in intensifying cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Economic Cooperation.

"During the negotiations, we noted the positive experience accumulated in bilateral relations and the existing opportunities to increase investments. The activities of the Malaysian state oil and gas company Petronas Carigali, which has been successfully operating in our country for many years, serve as an example of mutually beneficial cooperation," President Serdar Berdimuhamedov continued.

"Strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties is also one of the key areas. We agreed to hold joint events aimed at maintaining cultural and humanitarian dialogue between our friendly peoples and expanding bilateral relations in this area," the head of state emphasized.

Highly evaluating the results of his visit to Malaysia, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov stressed that the agreements reached and important documents signed during this visit would significantly deepen intergovernmental dialogue and unlock the vast potential for cooperation in trade-economic, cultural-humanitarian, and other fields.

In conclusion, the President of Turkmenistan expressed his sincere gratitude to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for his hospitality. Taking this opportunity, he also extended his wishes for peace, well-being, and prosperity to the friendly people of Malaysia.

… Later in the afternoon, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov visited the Petronas Towers, where he met with leaders of the Malaysian company Petronas Carigali. 

During the meeting, priority areas of cooperation were discussed, along with its current state and future prospects in line with modern requirements. It was noted that there are extensive opportunities to enhance constructive partnerships.

The oil and gas sector is one of Turkmenistan's most dynamically developing industries. In this context, the significant contribution of Petronas to utilizing Turkmenistan's energy potential was highlighted. For nearly 30 years, Petronas has been actively involved in hydrocarbon extraction projects in Turkmenistan. Additionally, the company has been effectively engaged in training qualified specialists for the oil and gas sector.

The fuel and energy complex remains a promising area for cooperation between Turkmenistan and Malaysia. In this regard, the productive nature of Turkmenistan's partnership with Petronas was particularly emphasized.

During the meeting, discussions focused on opportunities to further expand cooperation into new areas considering economic development programs, ongoing reforms in the industrial sector, and favorable business conditions created in Turkmenistan.

Acknowledging earlier visits by Turkmenistan’s National Leader of the Turkmen people Hero Arkadag to Malaysia, Petronas executives expressed their gratitude to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov for creating favorable conditions for productive work in Turkmenistan. They also expressed confidence that mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation would continue to develop successfully in the future.

Then President Serdar Berdimuhamedov went to the Skybridge observation bridge connecting the «Petronas» towers. Here, the company's executives acquainted the head of state with the history and features of the building.

This famous building has 88 floors and is 451.9 meters high. Its construction took 6 years: the project was carried out by the Argentine architect Cesar Pelli.

The building stands out not only for its colossal size, but also for the complexity of its design. The total area of all premises is 213 thousand 750 square meters. Inside the skyscraper «Petronas» there are exhibition and conference halls, an art gallery and office premises.

Only materials produced in Malaysia were used for the construction of the towers. Especially strong and at the same time elastic concrete was developed especially for the twin towers, due to which the skyscraper turned out to be twice as heavy as similar steel ones.

The observation bridge Skybridge, which is located between the 41st and 42nd floors, connects both towers. Its length is 58.4 meters, and its weight is 750 tons. Skybridge, located at a height of 170 meters, is the highest two-tier bridge in the world. All these features of the «Petronas» Towers increase their attractiveness from a tourist point of view.

It should also be noted that the widespread use of scientific and technical achievements, advanced engineering solutions, as well as the latest developments in the field of construction and architecture, design and urban development is a priority of the large-scale urban development program initiated by the Honoured Architect of Turkmenistan Hero-Arkadag and successfully implemented under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. The visible symbols of this innovative program - the cities of Ashgabat and Arkadag are turning into major business and cultural centres of the region.

Then the head of Turkmenistan proceeded to the International Airport of Kuala Lumpur.

Here, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov had a conversation with the official representative of Malaysia, during which it was noted that cooperation between the two countries is consistently expanding in a wide range of areas. Taking the opportunity, the representative of Malaysia congratulated the head of Turkmenistan on the successful completion of the official visit and presented him with a special edition dedicated to mutual visits at the highest level.

President Serdar Berdimuhamedov thanked him for the kind words and the gift.

Then the head of the Turkmen state departed for his homeland.

At the Ashgabat International Airport, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov was met by officials who congratulated the head of Turkmenistan on the success of his official visit to Malaysia and the high-level talks held within its framework. 

Having thanked for the congratulations, the head of state departed from the scene of the event. 

In this way, the results of the official visit of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to Malaysia clearly demonstrated the desire of both countries to further develop and strengthen an equal, mutually beneficial and long-term interstate partnership that meets the goals of common well-being.

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As part of the official visit of the President of Turkmenistan to Malaysia, members of the Government delegation of our country held meetings with their Malaysian colleagues in Kuala Lumpur, during which they discussed key issues of bilateral cooperation in various areas.

In this context, positive dynamics of the development of interstate relations were noted, the intensification of which is facilitated by regular contacts at the highest, intergovernmental and interdepartmental levels.

As part of the constructive exchange of opinions, the fuel and energy sector, trade, economic and investment spheres, industry, transport and communications, agriculture, interaction through business circles, etc. were identified as priority vectors of partnership.

It was also emphasised that the humanitarian sphere, including science, education and culture, is an integral part of interstate relations.

Following the negotiations, a large package of documents was signed. These include: Memorandum of Understanding between the International University for the Humanities and Development and the University of Malaya; Memorandum of Understanding between the State Energy Institute of Turkmenistan and the University Tenaga Malaysia; Memorandum of Understanding between the Turkmen State Institute of Architecture and Construction and the University Tenaga Malaysia; Memorandum of Understanding between the Turkmen State Institute of Architecture and Construction and the University of Sunway Malaysia; Memorandum of Understanding between the Institute of Engineering, Technical and Transport Communications of Turkmenistan and the University of Sunway Malaysia; Memorandum of Understanding between the Turkmen State Institute of Economics and Management and the University of Sunway Malaysia.

Along with this, the importance of developing mutually beneficial contacts through the media was noted.