Turkmenistan President to Visit Malaysia, Strengthening Bilateral Ties
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 18 (Bernama) — Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedow will visit Malaysia from December 18 to 19, marking his first official visit since assuming office in March 2022.
Who’s Who in the Visit
According to a statement by the Foreign Ministry, also known as Wisma Putra, on Wednesday, Berdimuhamedow will be accompanied by six deputy prime ministers, including Deputy Prime Minister cum Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov, and five Cabinet ministers, including Defence Minister Maksat Babayev, Culture Minister Atageldi Shamyradov, and Agriculture Minister Charyyar Chetiyev.
Ceremony and Meeting with Prime Minister
During the visit, Berdimuhamedow will be accorded an official welcoming ceremony at the Perdana Putra in Putrajaya on December 19, followed by a meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Key Discussion Topics
"Both leaders are expected to discuss bilateral matters, particularly in trade and investment, oil and gas cooperation, higher education, tourism, and connectivity," the statement said. They will also exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual concern, including Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship in 2025.
Growing Trade between Malaysia and Turkmenistan
Trade between Malaysia and Turkmenistan has shown significant growth. Between January and October 2024, total trade surged by 74.8 per cent to RM63.28 million (US$13.90 million) compared to RM36.19 million (US$7.91 million) in the corresponding period last year. In 2023, Turkmenistan was Malaysia’s fourth largest trading partner among Central Asian countries, with total trade valued at RM48.62 million (US$10.57 million).
Conclusion
The upcoming visit by Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedow is expected to strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries, with discussions on key areas such as trade and investment, oil and gas cooperation, higher education, tourism, and connectivity. The visit is also seen as an opportunity for both leaders to exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual concern.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedow’s visit to Malaysia?
A: The visit is to strengthen bilateral ties between Malaysia and Turkmenistan, with discussions on key areas such as trade and investment, oil and gas cooperation, higher education, tourism, and connectivity.
Q: Who will accompany President Berdimuhamedow during the visit?
A: He will be accompanied by six deputy prime ministers, including Deputy Prime Minister cum Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov, and five Cabinet ministers, including Defence Minister Maksat Babayev, Culture Minister Atageldi Shamyradov, and Agriculture Minister Charyyar Chetiyev.
Q: What is the current trade volume between Malaysia and Turkmenistan?
A: Between January and October 2024, total trade surged by 74.8 per cent to RM63.28 million (US$13.90 million) compared to RM36.19 million (US$7.91 million) in the corresponding period last year.