By Rohani Mohd Ibrahim
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 21 (Bernama) -- Uzbekistan's Ambassador to Malaysia, Karomiddin Gadoev, expressed optimism that the bilateral relationship between Uzbekistan and Malaysia could serve as a strategic bridge connecting Central Asia and Southeast Asia due to the geographical locations of both nations.
Speaking with Bernama recently, Gadoev emphasised that 2025 presents an ideal opportunity to enhance these ties as Malaysia takes on the chairmanship of ASEAN.
"Malaysia is our close and friendly strategic partner in Southeast Asia, and its central location within ASEAN can help strengthen Uzbekistan’s connections with all ASEAN member countries," he noted.
Gadoev also highlighted the cultural and societal similarities between the two countries, saying that Uzbekistan is proud to welcome Malaysian observers for its upcoming parliamentary elections for the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis on Oct 27.
The envoy explained that over 500 international observers and 150 media representatives from 50 countries, including Malaysia, will participate in observing Uzbekistan's election process. The Malaysian delegation will consist of six international observers and one media representative from Bernama.
He further shared that Malaysian observers have been regularly involved in Uzbekistan’s election processes since 1999, participating in parliamentary and presidential elections as well as the 2023 Constitutional referendum and early presidential elections.
Regarding Uzbekistan's citizens in Malaysia, Gadoev said that 59 Uzbek diplomatic missions worldwide have set up polling stations, including the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Kuala Lumpur, where more than 1,000 Uzbek nationals, primarily students and professionals, can cast their votes. Voting will take place from 8 am to 8 pm on Oct 27, with early voting available from Oct 16 to Oct 23.
The ambassador also shared that mobile voting is being organised in countries with large Uzbek populations.
On Oct 27, approximately 20 million eligible voters in Uzbekistan will head to the polls to elect 150 deputies to the Legislative Chamber, 56 members of the Senate, and deputies to regional, district, and city councils.
Five political parties have been approved to participate, including the Movement of Entrepreneurs and Businesspeople - Liberal Democratic Party of Uzbekistan (O’zLiDeP), the “Milliy Tiklanish” Democratic Party, the Ecological Party of Uzbekistan, the People's Democratic Party, and the “Adolat” Social Democratic Party.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim visited Uzbekistan in May this year. And in July, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan, Bakhtiyor Saidov, undertook an official visit to Malaysia as a follow-up to discussions earlier.
Malaysia and Uzbekistan have strengthened their relations with renewed vigour this year, with exchanges of visits and the holding of a joint business event in Samarkand in May.
Uzbekistan is currently Malaysia’s second biggest trade partner among Central Asian countries, with total trade in 2023 amounting to RM451.1 million (USD94.03 million).
-- BERNAMA
