OREANDA-NEWS. December 9, 2011. On the second day of the Turkmen leader’s state visit to Malaysia the official ceremony of meeting between President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and King Mizan Zainal Abidin Ibni Almarhum Sultan Mahmud Al-Muktafi Billah Shah and Prime Minister Mohd Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak took place in the House of Parliament of Malaysia.

The leaders of the friendly country greeted the President of Turkmenistan at the entrance to the House of Parliament.

President Turkmenistan and the King of Malaysia friendly shook hands and walked to the podium accompanied by the Prime Minister of Malaysia. Then the official greeting ceremony took place.

Then the leaders of the two countries introduced the members of the government delegations of Turkmenistan and Malaysia. The heads of diplomatic missions accredited to Malaysia were introduced to the Turkmen leader.

After concluding the official greeting ceremony, the President of Turkmenistan and the King of Malaysia accompanied by the royal escort headed to the Hotel Shangri-La. The Hotel Shangri-La Director Manager and the Master of Ceremonies of the Royal Palace greeted the President of Turkmenistan and the King of Malaysia at the entrance to the Hotel. Girls dressed in national costumes presented bouquets of flowers to the distinguished guests. The King accompanied the President of Turkmenistan to his apartments.

Few hours later the leader of Turkmenistan headed from the Hotel Shangri-La to Perdana Putra, which houses the office complex of the Prime Minister of Malaysia. The Turkmen leader and Prime Minister Mohd Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak had a collective photograph taken and President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov wrote an entry to the Book of Gusts of Honour.

Then the President of Turkmenistan and Prime Minister of Malaysia held the one-to-one talks.

Expressing gratitude for the invitation and an opportunity to meet during this visit, the leader of Turkmenistan discussed priority issues related to intensification of cooperation with the Prime Minister of Malaysia.

Our people remember very well that Malaysia was among the first countries to recognize independence of Turkmenistan. Later on, Malaysia supported the status of neutrality of the Turkmen state, first during the Non-Aligned Movement Conference and then within the United Nations.

Turkmenistan highly evaluates the activities of the Malaysian big companies which significantly contribute to promoting economic growth of our country. As of October 1, 2011, 13 enterprises with the share of Malaysian capital are registered in the territory of Turkmenistan.

The most promising fields of cooperation between Turkmenistan and Malaysia today are the fuel and energy, trade, investment, transport and communications, health, high-tech, agricultural sectors and the textile and chemical industries.

Our countries are currently working towards the implementation of a number of projects aimed at modernizing communications and telecommunications networks in our country. Turkmenistan is implementing the investment project in the fuel and energy sector in collaboration with Malaysian Petronas Carigali. This company has made the USD 4.5 billion investment in this project since 1996.

Though trade between our countries in January-September of the current year amounted USD 26.8 billion, this figure doesn’t meet the existing potential of Turkmenistan and Malaysia.

For example, one of the very promising areas of partnership could be tourism. Over 23 million tourists travel to Malaysia each year. Malaysia where the tourism revenue amounts to over USD 14 billion ranked ninth in the world by a number of tourists visiting this country. In this regard Turkmenistan is keenly interested in Malaysia’s experience in promoting tourism business which it can particularly apply to create the Avaza national tourism zone on the Caspian seashore.

Malaysia ranks among the world’s top manufacturers of electrical products, radio and television equipment and air conditioners. The most important of these sectors manufacture electronic equipment and electrical products 40 percent of which is exported. These include the chemical and food industries, the vehicle, rubber and metal-working manufacturing. Therefore, the willingness of our country in promoting direct contacts and the readiness to support the activities of Malaysian companies aimed at modernizing the telecommunications networks and the fuel and energy sector of Turkmenistan.

The promotion of relations in the education sector, particularly the establishment of close contacts between the Ministries of Education and more active collaboration to address global challenges, primarily within the United Nations Organisation, is deemed to show great promise.

After the President of Turkmenistan and the Prime Minister of Malaysia concluded the one-to-one talks, the government delegations of the two countries held an enlarged meeting.

Cordially greeting the leader of the Turkmen state and the members of the Turkmen government delegation in Malaysia, Prime Minister Mohd Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak characterised the Turkmen leader’s visit to Malaysia as historic and said the receiving party highly evaluated and viewed it as the beginning of a new stage of bilateral cooperation.

I have the warm recollections of my visit to your wonderful country, said the head of the Government of Malaysia. We promised you warm weather and much the same hospitality for this visit. Relations between our states and nations must be warm so that it can go forward at a steady gait and successfully in the future.

In recent years our countries have seen significant increase in bilateral trade; however they have the profound potential to promote it further. A key fields of bilateral cooperation is certainly the oil and gas industry, particularly the oil refining industry, however there are a number of other promising fields of collaboration. Mr. Mohd Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak noted that the Malaysian side would apply every effort to strengthen and consistently mutually advantageous bilateral partnership. We want Turkmenistan to view us as a dependable partner who stands ready to do his best to promote the advancement of your country, said the head o the Malaysian Government.

During the talks the sides placed emphasis on the high efficiency of humanitarian cooperation, particularly in the education sector, development of human potential and professional personnel training.

“Our intention to open the Embassy of Malaysia in Turkmenistan in the near future vividly illustrates our readiness to actively promote collaboration with Turkmenistan. We hope very much that Turkmenistan will open its diplomatic mission in our country,” said Mr. Mohd Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak thanking once again President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for accepting the invitation to pay a visit to Malaysia and gave the floor to the Turkmen leader with profound reverence.

Thanking the Prime Minister for the hearty welcome and expressing gratitude on behalf of the Turkmen delegation for the warm welcome and the favourable conditions for the fruitful joint work, the Turkmen leader Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said this meeting focused on a wide spectrum of aspects of bilateral relations, a number of issues of regional and global politics.

The Turkmen leader emphasized that the talks in Kuala Lumpur evidenced the willingness of Turkmenistan and Malaysia to effectively use all existing resources to strengthen further bilateral relations in all areas.

A mutual understanding existing between our countries is essential to evaluate the potential of bilateral cooperation and effective collaboration to tackle on global challenges, said the Turkmen leader.

Reminding that the official visit of the Prime Minister of Malaysia to Turkmenistan this summer had resulted in reaching the agreements to enhance bilateral relations, the President of Turkmenistan noted that the visit of the Turkmen government delegation to Malaysia was to strengthen and intensify this process, enrich its content and bring the dialogue between the two countries to a new level. In this context the Turkmen leader noted with satisfaction that the Malaysian side shared this view as the one-to-one talks had shown.

Touching upon the agenda of the intergovernmental talks, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov dwelt upon Turkmenistan’s views on its major items. These include cooperation in the sphere of foreign policy distinguished for the mutual understanding between the sides, said the Turkmen leader.

We abide by the similar principles and views on many major issues of international life, continued the President of Turkmenistan. These particularly include enhancement of stability and security on the planet, particularly in Central Asi and the Asia-Pacific region.

We reaffirmed that our countries stood ready to foster cooperation in the bilateral format and within the major international organisations, particularly the United Nations, the Non-Alliance Movement and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

Another critical aspect of Turkmen-Malaysian political relations is the strengthening the positions in the region based on mutual trust. In this context our goal is to create political and legal safeguards to dynamically promote relations between states as consistent with the Charter of the United Nations and universally recognized norms of international law, said the leader of the Turkmen state.

Noting that Turkmenistan fully supports global efforts to achieve and strengthen stability and peace in the Asia-Pacific region aimed at encouraging preventive measures and eliminating the conditions conducive to conflict generation and intensification, the Turkmen leader also said Turkmenistan and Malaysia had the similar views on the approaches to addressing such dangerous challenges of modern times as terrorism, extremism, illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs.

We are ready to continue to fruitfully work together with your country within the international organisations, said President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noting that intensifying cooperation between the foreign ministries of the two countries on a regular basis was an essential condition for this effective cooperation. In this context the Turkmen leader mentioned the decision to open the embassies of the two states in Ashgabat and Kuala Lumpur.

The Turkmen leader touched upon the issues related to trade and economic cooperation and specific measures to be taken to promote them. In this regard President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov cited an example of Malaysian Petronas Carigali which significantly contributed to developing the Turkmen oil and gas industry.

In this context the Turkmen leader said the two countries couldn’t be satisfied with the level of trade between Turkmenistan and Malaysia and it was necessary to develop joint specific measures to bring it to the level adequate to the potential of the two countries.

Underlining the importance of enhancing trade relations, increasing the volume of investment, launching projects in various fields and developing new ones, the Turkmen leader said all this were the critical success factors for promoting the projects on the modernization of the transport and telecommunications sectors in Turkmenistan and the development of infrastructure of the Turkmenbashi seaport. We will welcome the participation of Malaysian companies in implementing these projects, said President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.

The Turkmen leader mentioned hydrocarbon extraction and processing, the petrochemical industry, the high-tech sector where Malaysia has accumulated the rich expertise which could be of use to dynamically developing Turkmenistan as the major areas for collaboration.

The Turkmen leader also said our country was interested in promoting partnership with Malaysian manufactures of electrical products, radio and television equipment, household appliances and underscored the possibilities for collaboration in the chemical, food, rubber, metal and other industries.

In this regard President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov suggested establishing direct contacts between entrepreneurs of our countries and promoting an exchange of delegations and put forward the initiative to conduct a bilateral business forum in Turkmenistan in order to explore and evaluate the possibilities for cooperation.

The Turkmen leader said our country also intended to study Malaysia’s experience in developing the tourism industry and invited Malaysian companies to collaborate in the projects to promote tourism business in Turkmenistan, particularly to build facilities in the Avaza national tourism zone.

Also the President of Turkmenistan touched upon cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian spheres as an essential and integral component of the large-scale bilateral dialogue. In this context the Turkmen leader placed emphasis on the rich cultural potential of the two countries and expressed an opinion that both the Turkmen and Malaysian peoples would be interested to know better the cultural and historical heritage and present-day achievements of the two nations in these spheres. The Turkmen leader suggested holding the Days of Culture of Turkmenistan in Malaysia and the Days of Culture of Malaysia in Turkmenistan in 2012-2013 as the first step towards this aim.

President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov also underlined the importance of promoting collaboration between institutions of higher education of Turkmenistan and Malaysia in order to train specialists and conduct research activities and use all existing opportunities to train Turkmen students and specialists at the University of Malaysia and other educational centres.

The progress in implementing the bilateral agreements on trade and economic relations and collaboration in the fuel and energy, education and other sectors were considered during the meeting. The aspects of cooperation between the entrepreneurial circles of the two countries and their involvement in investment activity were also considered. The sides expressed the willingness to build up partnership in key fields, including through implementing joint projects in various sectors of economy.

After the talks were concluded, the ceremony of signing the bilateral documents took place. To the applause of those present President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Prime Minister of Malaysia Mohd Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak affixed their signatures to the Joint Turkmen-Malaysian Communiqué on the outcomes of the state visit of President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly to Malaysia with is to strengthen and open up new horizons of bilateral partnership.

The Programme of Cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia for 2012 was signed.

During a press conference the leaders of the two states summed up the talks. Addressing journalists, President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Prime -Minister of Malaysia Mohd Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak noted that the talks had been held in an atmosphere of mutual confidence and understanding and highlighted the mutual willingness to step up collaboration in various fields.

It was emphasized that this meeting became a landmark event giving a powerful impetus to promote and strengthen the ties of friendship and cooperation between Turkmenistan and Malaysia. The sides had reaffirmed that the two countries had similar views on a wide spectrum of issues of international politics, particularly such as achieving peace and security and combating terrorism, illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs and organized crime. A definite manifestation of this mutual understanding is close cooperation between Turkmenistan and Malaysia within the authoritative international organizations, particularly the United Nations. In this context the Prime Minister of Malaysia expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the talks characterizing them as the beginning of a new chapter in the chronicle of multifaceted cooperation between Turkmenistan and Malaysia.

Enhancement of the effectiveness of business contacts and collaboration to encourage business activity will eventually contribute to increasing financial and economic attractiveness of Turkmenistan and Malaysia and further intensification of contacts in the spheres of culture, science and education will enable to enrich the content of bilateral relations and help our people know each other better, said the Prime Minister.

In his turn President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov also noted that Turkmenistan and Malaysia were the strong supporters of building a fair and harmonious system of international relations and enhancing the role of developing countries in the global policy for the benefit of all states. The meetings and talks in Kuala Lumpur illustrated the commitment of the two states to achieving these aims.

Touching upon trade and economic cooperation, the Turkmen leader said it opened up the vast opportunities to increase investment and implement joint projects in the power, chemical and petrochemical industries, the construction, transport, telecommunications, high-tech, tourism and other sectors, including between the entrepreneurial circles of the two countries. We welcome a contribution of Malaysian businessmen in developing the Turkmen economy and services sector and are interested in expanding opportunities for Turkmen businessmen in Malaysia, said the Turkmen leader. We also agreed to orginize joint events which would promote cultural and humanitarian cooperation, continued the President of Turkmenistan.

The President of Turkmenistan highly evaluated the outcomes of the talks and expressed belief that the agreements reached and the documents signed during the visit would offer a powerful impetus to build up bilateral contacts and use existing abundant resources for cooperation in the trade and economic, cultural, scientific, humanitarian and other spheres.

After the press conference was concluded, an official dinner was given in honour of the distinguished Turkmen guest at the residence of the Prime Minister of Malaysia. In their brief speeches the leaders of the two states underlined fruitfulness of the meeting, its businesslike and constructive atmosphere which would cement friendly relations between our countries.

Turkmen-Malaysian relations have stood the test of time and never been as strong as they are now, said President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov expressing cordial gratitude to Prime Minister Mohd Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak for his significant contribution to strengthening bilateral cooperation.

On the evening President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov arrived at the Istana Melawati Palace. The King of and Prime Minister of Malaysia cordially greeted the leader of the Turkmen state there. After a collective photograph was taken and the Turkmen leader wrote an entry to the Book of Guests of Honour the King of Malaysia and the President of Turkmenistan held a meeting. The Prime Minister attended the meeting.

The meeting agenda focused on the basic foreign policy priorities of the two states and the fields and specific aspects of trade and economic, scientific and technical and cultural cooperation and the ways of cooperation to strengthen regional security.

Expressing sincere gratitude to the King of Malaysia for organizing the meeting and extending the hearty welcome and hospitality, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov highly evaluated the level of mutual confidence and relations between our countries continuously built on the traditions of friendship, cooperation and mutual respect.

Focusing on harmonious participation of Turkmenistan and Malaysia in international affairs, particularly within the international organizations including the United Nations, the Non-Alliance Movement and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Turkmen leader emphasized that our countries abided by the principles of the fair world order, equality and respect for the sovereignty of nations and their model of political, social and economic development, enhancing the role and involvement of developing countries in tackling global issues.

Touching upon the aspects of bilateral cooperation, the Turkmen leader said over the past decades Turkmenistan was interested in Malaysia as the country which had gained outstanding achievements in the economic, trade, high-tech and tourism sectors. We thoroughly study Malaysia’s experience and discover its valuable and useful components of in order to apply them in conditions of Turkmenistan.

Our country is moving forward along the path of large-scale reforms in all spheres of social and economic development. The measures are taken on a regular basis to update the national legislation, broaden the rights and authorities of the Mejlis (Parliament) of Turkmenistan and bring investment laws in line with international standards. All this create the conditions conducive to promoting international cooperation, attracting foreign investment and facilitate the integration of our country into the sphere of international business activity. We welcome the activities carried out by Malaysian businessmen in

Turkmenistan, said the Turkmen leader, and we intend to create the favourable conditions for and provide assistance in developing full cooperation, particularly in the humanitarian sphere.

In this context President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that the peoples of Turkmenistan and Malaysia were bound with the common spiritual values, religion and traditions, moral principles which lay the fertile soil for a cultural dialogue which helped peoples to better understand one another and increase mutual respect. We also attach considerable importance to promoting relations in the spheres of science, education and high technology development and are interested to study and adopt your experience and achievements in the education sector, said the leader of Turkmenistan expressing belief that this visit would intensify close cooperation in various fields.

We know that Your Majesty enjoys great authority and profound respect of many millions of the Malaysian people. We view it as an essential condition for the wellbeing, sustainable development and prosperity of Malaysia, said President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov in conclusion and wished the King of Malaysia every success in his important activity.

An official dinner was given in honour of the distinguished guest on behalf of the King of Malaysia at the Istana Melawati Palace.

Thanking President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedovа for accepting the invitation to visit Malaysia, King Mizan Zainal Abidin Ibni Almarhum Sultan Mahmud Al-Muktafi Billah Shah expressed belief that Turkmen-Malaysian relations had a great future and the Turkmen leader’s visit to Kuala Lumpur would certainly broaden horizons of cooperation between the two countries as well as between Central Asia and Southeast Asia. In its turn Malaysia will take further measures to promote partner contacts and strengthen the ties of friendship between our peoples, said the King. Congratulating the leader of Turkmenistan on the outstanding achievements and reforms taking place in our country, the King of Malaysia expressed President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov every success in his activity and citizens of Turkmenistan the prosperity and wellbeing.

In his brief speech the President of Turkmenistan placed emphasis on the success and effectiveness of the meetings and talks in Kuala Lumpur and thanked all those involved in the organisation of the visit and the preparation of documents.

We highly respect the effective and balanced policy that Malaysia was distinguished for all over the world and the important and constructive role your country play in Asia and the Asia-Pacific region, said the President of Turkmenistan addressing the Malaysian leaders. We clearly realize that Malaysia and its leaders is willing and ready for cooperation with us, respect Turkmenistan’s choice of the model of development and foreign policy strategy and support our international initiatives.

We have every reason to face the future with confidence and promote reforms for the benefit of our peoples, said the Turkmen leader stating that mutual understanding and cooperation between the two states were mainly the result of the significant contribution of His Majesty and the Prime Minister. Turkmenistan is your good and true friend, said

President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov expressing the best wishes and firm belief that Turkmenistan and Malaysia would promote fruitful cooperation in the future.

After the dinner was concluded, the cortege of the President of Turkmenistan headed to the Hotel Shangri-La.

The fact that cooperation with Turkmenistan, its potential and prospects of development and the Turkmen-Malaysian top level talks, which would become a landmark event in the chronicle of bilateral relations, bring fruitful contacts to a qualitatively new level and strengthen the ties of friendship and partnerships between Turkmenistan and Malaysia, hit the mass media headlines in Malaysia evidenced considerable significance attached by the leadership of this country to the state visit of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.