Future Cooperation Between Kyrgyzstan And Malaysia: Insights From Malaysian Ambassador

BISHKEK, Sept 17 (Bernama-Kabar) -- Malaysia intends to establish cooperation with Kyrgyzstan in the field of halal industry, as well as share experience in the development of tourism and the education system.

In an interview with the Kabar News Agency, Malaysian Ambassador to the Kyrgyz Ilham Tuah Illias spoke about plans to further strengthen bilateral cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and Malaysia.

The ambassador noted that the two sides agreed to expand trade cooperation and educational ties. Concerning education, he said that the possibility of opening a University of Malaya in Kyrgyzstan was discussed earlier, during the visit of Kyrgyz Cabinet head Akylbek Zhaparov to Malaysia, which will provide an opportunity for Kyrgyz students to learn and improve their English.

Regarding the development of tourism, Ambassador Ilham Tuah noted that Malaysia would like to see more tourists from Kyrgyzstan, as it’s a landlocked country and the people of Central Asia love beaches. He also added that Malaysian airlines plan to open direct flights from Malaysia to Kyrgyzstan.

The ambassador said that the trade between the countries reached US$35 million last year.

The diplomat noted that they are promoting the halal system and help the Kyrgyz side get halal certification and certify its products for delivery to the ASEAN market and other markets around the world. He emphasised that the signing of a memorandum of understanding is expected to be signed in this direction.

Ilham Tuah stressed that as the new Ambassador of Malaysia to Kyrgyzstan, he has identified the following as priority areas: development of halal standards, tourism, the education system, pilgrimage to Makkah and other areas.

Speaking about the chairmanship of Malaysia in ASEAN in 2025, the ambassador said that within its chairmanship, Malaysia will promote culture, trade and education between the two countries.

He noted that there are many things that ASEAN can assist Central Asia with and there are a lot of areas that can be paid attention to.

Sharing his impressions about Kyrgyzstan, its culture and traditions, Ilham Tuah said that through people-to-people interaction, Malaysia can learn about culture and traditions of Kyrgyzstan.

He stressed that he had the opportunity to hear from the ministers who accompanied the Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during his visit to Kyrgyzstan in May – how impressed they were with the cultural and tourism opportunities of Kyrgyzstan, the beautiful nature and picturesque landscapes.

In conclusion, the ambassador wished the Kyrgyz people well-being and prosperity, and expressed hope that the cooperation between Malaysia and Kyrgyzstan will be successful and the common goals will be achieved.

-- BERNAMA-KABAR