Within the framework of his official two-day visit (June 18-19) to Turkmenistan, Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim met with representatives of the Malaysian diaspora in Ashgabat, bernama.com reports.

According to the Prime Minister, the meeting was an opportunity to convey to compatriots abroad the MADANI government's commitment to strengthening ties with Malaysians living abroad. The Prime Minister emphasized that the diaspora is an integral part of national development and will continue to receive support and recognition from the state.

"Despite the distance, their spirit and warmth of unity felt as if we were gathered in Kuala Lumpur," Anwar wrote on his Facebook account. He also called the diaspora representatives "unofficial ambassadors of the country" who contribute to shaping Malaysia's international image.

Anwar noted that the goals of the visit to Ashgabat extend beyond trade and economic matters. He stated that the visit is aimed at expanding the friendship between the two countries, strengthening mutual understanding, and developing new areas of bilateral cooperation that meet the interests of both sides.

The current visit is the Malaysian Prime Minister's first official visit to Turkmenistan. It took place at the invitation of Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and is a reciprocal visit to the Turkmen leader's official visit to Malaysia in December 2024.