Ashgabat: Malaysia and Turkmenistan have committed to enhancing bilateral relations through a structured, progressive, and complementary partnership aimed at strategic interests and long-term benefits for their people, as articulated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, this commitment was cemented through agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) exchanged between the two nations following Anwar's meeting with Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedov at the Presidential Palace. Anwar emphasized the importance of implementing agreed areas of cooperation in a disciplined, transparent, and effective manner, underscoring the strong friendship and mutual respect between the two countries.

During a joint press conference, Anwar expressed hope for the continued flourishing of Malaysia-Turkmenistan ties. The bilateral talks led by Anwar and Berdimuhamedov covered a wide range of sectors, including energy, trade and investment, the halal industry, Islamic banking, education, research, science and technology, tourism, and air connectivity. The exchange of key documents is expected to catalyze strategic cooperation across these priority areas.

Earlier, the leaders witnessed the exchange of three MoUs and an agreement. These included an Air Services Agreement and MoUs involving Malaysia's Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations and Turkmenistan's Institute of International Relations, as well as agreements between Malaysia's Ministry of Transport, the State Service of Turkmenistan, and the respective Academies of Sciences.

Anwar, also Malaysia's Finance Minister, and President Berdimuhamedov signed a joint statement during Anwar's official visit, which marks his first to Turkmenistan since becoming Prime Minister in November 2022. Accompanied by Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, Minister of Economy Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir, and senior officials, the visit followed an invitation from Berdimuhamedov.

The visit concluded with a media briefing in Ashgabat before Anwar and his delegation departed from Ashgabat International Airport, marking the end of the two-day diplomatic engagement.