The Joint Statement of the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the Prime Minister of Malaysia Dato Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim was published on the website of the State News Agency of Turkmenistan. The document, in particular, states:
1. The President of Turkmenistan His Excellency Serdar Berdimuhamedov paid an official visit to Malaysia from 18 to 19 December 2024 at the invitation of the Prime Minister of Malaysia His Excellency Dato Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim.
2. The first visit of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to Malaysia is a confirmation of the strong relations between Turkmenistan and Malaysia. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations on 17 May 1992, both countries have carried out mutually beneficial cooperation in various areas of interest. The relations have been strengthened through cooperation in the oil and gas industry, which is a cornerstone for both countries.
3. During the visit, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov was ceremoniously welcomed at Perdana Square, the Prime Minister’s Office. Following the welcoming ceremony, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Putrajaya. The parties held substantive talks in a warm and cordial atmosphere. During the discussion, a wide range of bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest were touched upon.
4. The parties emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral relations, which will significantly contribute to strengthening the friendship between the peoples of the two countries. The parties agreed to continue close cooperation in various regional and international organizations.
5. Noting the common vision, the parties emphasized the importance of deepening bilateral cooperation in the energy sector and noted the positive long-term experience of PETRONAS in this area. Attaching great importance to the oil and gas industry, the two sides stressed their commitment to building a strong and long-term partnership aimed at consistent growth and mutual prosperity. This reaffirms the commitment of both countries to explore new opportunities in the spirit of mutual benefit.
6. In realizing the full potential of bilateral relations, the parties recognized the need to maintain regular contacts, consultations and close coordination at various levels such as the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and other important international organizations, as well as to promote regular exchange of ideas and views on international issues through international meetings and conferences.
7. The parties agreed that the economic partnership between Turkmenistan and Malaysia has great prospects. In order to realize the full economic potential of the two countries, the parties expressed their readiness to develop it on the basis of equality and mutual benefit. In this regard, the parties welcomed the mutual readiness to establish the Turkmen-Malaysian Business Council.
8. Looking to the future, the parties emphasized the importance of expanding bilateral cooperation in the fields of transport, culture, education, tourism and sports, which will have a positive impact on strengthening relations between Turkmenistan and Malaysia.
9. The Parties also agreed that in order to promote people-to-people contacts and understanding, it is necessary to further strengthen exchange programmes between higher education and research institutions. The Parties reaffirmed their commitment to promoting deeper cooperation in higher education, endorsing the signing of Memorandums of Understanding between public and private institutions of both countries.
10. The parties approved the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Government of Malaysia in the field of tourism, the Memorandum of Understanding between the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan and the Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as well as between the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan and the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia.
11. The Sides also witnessed an exchange of notes between Turkmenistan and Malaysia on the Partial Visa Waiver Agreement for Diplomatic and Service Passport Holders (PVAA), the Air Services Agreement (ASA) and the Aviation Industry, as well as between the Institutes of International Relations of both countries on cooperation in diplomatic training and scientific exchange.
12. The Sides stressed the need for concerted efforts to create a climate of trust and mutual understanding, as well as to strengthen stability at the regional and international levels. These principles are reflected in both the ASEAN Area of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality (APFN) and Turkmenistan’s initiative to establish an Area of Peace, Trust and Cooperation in Central Asia. As Malaysia prepares to assume the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, Turkmenistan’s support further reinforces this shared vision by promoting mutual understanding, regional independence and joint efforts to ensure security. Malaysia calls on Turkmenistan to consider joining the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC).
13. The two sides supported the declaration of 2025 as the “International Year of Peace and Trust” in accordance with the UN General Assembly Resolution 78/266 of 21 March 2024.
14. The two sides stressed the importance of initiatives put forward by both countries at the international and regional levels, such as the hosting of the International Forum dedicated to the 300th anniversary of the birth of poet Magtymguly Fragi in Ashgabat on 11 October 2024 and Malaysia’s chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025.
15. The two sides reaffirmed that international issues should be resolved through peaceful means, in full compliance with international law and relevant United Nations resolutions.
16. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed deep and sincere gratitude to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the people of Malaysia for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to the delegation of Turkmenistan during its stay in Malaysia.
17. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov also took the opportunity to extend an invitation to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to pay a reciprocal visit to Turkmenistan. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim gratefully accepted the invitation. Both sides agreed that the dates of the visit would be agreed upon through diplomatic channels.
