EMBASSY OF IN TURKMENISTAN ПОСОЛЬСТВО МАЛАЙЗИИ В ТУРКМЕНИСТАНЕ DECEMBER 2019

şgabat GazetY A Newsletter

The Embassy of Malaysia in Ashgabat is proud to publish our Newsletter with the news and activities for 2019.

Among the highlights of this issue are the Official Visit of the Honourable Tun Dr. to Turkmenistan, National Day of Malaysia in Turkmenistan and Malaysia Sports Challenge 2019.

Besides that, we will share with you several news from Malaysia and photos of the activities organized or participated by the Embassy. There are also special features about Visit Truly Asia Malaysia 2020 and Shared Prosperity Vision 2030!

THE OFFICIAL VISIT OF NATIONAL DAY OF YAB TUN DR. MAHATHIR MALAYSIA IN MALAYSIA SPORTS MOHAMAD TURKMENISTAN AND CHALLENGE 2019 TO TURKMENISTAN

“The many similarities in policies and approaches that exist between Malaysia and Turkmenistan give an opportunity for both countries to work closely together in many areas.” YAB Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad

Prime Minister of Malaysia More news on page 2-3 1 EMBASSY OF MALAYSIA IN TURKMENISTAN ПОСОЛЬСТВО МАЛАЙЗИИ В ТУРКМЕНИСТАНЕ DECEMBER 2019

THE OFFICIAL VISIT OF YAB TUN DR. MAHATHIR MOHAMAD PRIME MINISTER OF MALAYSIA TO TURKMENISTAN, 26-28 OCTOBER 2019

YAB Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad undertook an Official Visit to Turkmenistan on 26-28 October 2019 at the invitation of His Excellency Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the President of Turkmenistan. This is the second Official Visit of YAB Prime Minister to Turkmenistan. He first visited the country in October 1994 when he was the 4th Prime Minister of Malaysia. Meanwhile, President of Turkmenistan had visited Malaysia twice, in December 2011 and November 2016.

Accompanied by YABhg. Tun Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, the delegation comprised the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Economic Affairs, Senior Government Officials from the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

YAB Prime Minister and delegation arrived at Ashgabat International Airport at 9.35 pm

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(local time) on 26 October 2019 and was received by H.E Rashid Meredov, Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan, H.E Roseli Abdul, Ambassador of Malaysia to Turkmenistan and senior officials from both countries. On 27 October 2019, the Official Programme for the visit started with the Official Welcoming Ceremony at the Oguzkhan Palace Complex, followed by a private meeting with President Berdimuhamedov, as well as a bilateral meeting. Following the bilateral meeting, YB Foreign Minister and Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov exchanged two documents namely ‘Programme of Cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan for 2020- 2021’ and ‘Academic-Diplomatic Collaboration between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan’ in the presence of YAB Prime Minister and the Turkmenistan President.

Both leaders then held a Joint Press Statement, summarizing the outcome of the meetings, followed by an official luncheon hosted by President Berdimuhamedov.

YAB Prime Minister also met with

Malaysian diaspora in Turkmenistan in the evening. During the meeting with , YAB Prime Minister stated that this official visit has started a new level in the Malaysia-Turkmenistan bilateral relations. YAB Prime Minister also lauded PETRONAS for its achievement in the oil and gas industry and its commitment to grow as a world-known multinational company. The Official Visit by YAB Prime Minister to Turkmenistan had further strengthened the bilateral relations as well as ventured into a new area of cooperation, especially on bilateral economic for the benefit of Malaysia and Turkmenistan.

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NATIONAL DAY OF MALAYSIA IN TURKMENISTAN

Embassy of Malaysia in Turkmenistan hosted the 62nd Anniversary of Malaysia’s National Day on 3 September 2019 at the Grand Ballroom, Yyldyz Hotel.

The guest of honour was H.E. Mr. Yagshigeldi Kakayev, Advisor to the President of Turkmenistan on Oil and Gas Issues.

Sayangi Malaysiaku: Malaysia Bersih is the theme for this year National Day, to emphasize the importance of unity and patriotism, well-being and prosperity of the nation. It is also an aspiration for all to have high integrity as well as rejecting corruption and wrong- doings. More than 400 guests attended the reception. In his speech, also stated that relationships between both government leaders are very close and brotherly. All 3 Prime Ministers of Malaysia since 1994 have visited Turkmenistan. In October 1994, our 4th Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohamad came for an official visit to Ashgabat and as a result of that visit, in 1996, Petronas, Malaysia’s national oil company decided to invest in the oil and gas sector and signed a 32-year Production Sharing Contract (PSC) with Turkmenistan government to operate in Block 1 in the Caspian Sea. The esteemed President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has visited Malaysia twice, in December 2011 and November 2016.

H.E Ambassador Roseli Abdul also introduced Visit Malaysia Year 2020 and invited the audience to come to Malaysia to experience the unique ‘Truly Asia Malaysia’. As part of promotions for the campaign, there were also held a mini showcase of Malaysian traditional crafts and photography and several Malaysia songs were beautifully performed by a quartet.

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EMBASSY OF MALAYSIA IN TURKMENISTAN ПОСОЛЬСТВО МАЛАЙЗИИ В ТУРКМЕНИСТАНЕ DECEMBER 2019

WELCOMING REMARKS BY H.E. ROSELI ABDUL IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE RECEPTION OF 62ND NATIONAL DAY OF MALAYSIA

His Excellency Mr. Yagshigeldi Kakaev Advisor to the President of Turkmenistan on Oil and Gas Issues nder the Officials from Government of Turkmenistan “U Excellency Ambassadors and other members of the present Diplomatic Corps leadership of Fellow Malaysians Distinguished Guests Prime Minister Ladies and Gentlemen Tun Dr. Mahathir Assalamulaikum, Good Evening, Salam Sejahtera. Mohamad, First of all, on behalf of the Embassy of Malaysia, I would like to thank all of you for attending our event tonight to Malaysia will celebrate the 62nd Anniversary of the National Day of continue to Malaysia. promote a 62 years ago on 31 August 1957, Malaysia became an independent country. Throughout the years, as a result of forward-looking continuous political stability, sound economic policies, industrious work force, we have managed to transform our and pragmatic country from one of the backwaters in into a modern, dynamic and prosperous nation, with average foreign policy that annual GDP of 6.5 percent for almost 50 years. We are facilitates trade, the 4th largest economy in Southeast Asia and rank 35th in the world. Our aim is to be a high income nation soon. attracts foreign With a population of 32 million people, Malaysia is a multi- direct investment ethnic and multi-cultural country with 3 major ethnic groups, , Chinese, Indians and many indigenous and to project people of different religions, cultures and languages, but Malaysia as a we all live together side by side in peace and harmony. Our multiculturalism has made Malaysia a favorite stable, peaceful destination for foreign tourists to witness colorful festivals and to taste various and delicious local and international and neutral cuisines. We receive about 30 million foreign tourists every year. country.” Malaysia is also one of the tropical paradise destinations in the Far East with its dense and adventurous rainforest,

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rugged mountains, cool highland hideaways, beautiful islands, sandy beaches and rich

mangroves. Next year is Visit Malaysia Year 2020 and I would like to invite all of you to come to my beloved country, Malaysia Truly Asia.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

On 9 May 2018, from the results of the 14th General Election, a historic event that altered the political landscape of Malaysia took place. For the first time in 6 decades, a coalition of opposition parties had managed to capture power and form a new government and people regarded the victory as the birth of a New Malaysia or Malaysia Baru. In his speech during the 73rd United Nations General Assembly last year, Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad stated that under the New Malaysia, the government is committed to uphold the principles of justice, good governance, high level of integrity and to exalt the rule of law. The new government is committed to ensure that every Malaysian can enjoy the nation’s prosperity supported by equitable distribution of wealth generated by the country. After about a year now, many positive changes have been implemented by the new government.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Under the present leadership of Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, Malaysia will continue to promote a forward-looking and pragmatic foreign policy that facilitates trade, attracts foreign direct investment and to project Malaysia as a stable, peaceful and neutral country. As one of the founding nations of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Malaysia will continue to actively support the goals and inspirations of the regional organization especially after the establishment of the ASEAN Community in 2015.

Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Turkmenistan were established 27 years ago on 17 May 1992. In December 2011, Malaysia opened its embassy in Ashgabat, the only ASEAN mission here.

At the political level, relationships between government leaders are very close and brotherly. All 3 Prime Ministers of Malaysia since 1994 have visited Turkmenistan. In October 1994, our 4th Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohamed came for an official visit to Ashgabat and as a result of that visit, in 1996, Petronas, Malaysia’s national oil company decided to invest in the oil and gas sector and signed a 32-year Production Sharing Contract (PSC) with Turkmenistan government to operate in Block 1 in the Caspian Sea. The esteemed President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has visited Malaysia twice, in December 2011 and November 2016.

Bilateral economic relations between Malaysia and Turkmenistan are moving smoothly in a positive direction. Petronas’ USD10.7 billion investment is perhaps the largest foreign investment in this country and the company has a long term commitment to continue to work with Turkmenistan to further develop its energy sector. In higher education field, Malaysian

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universities offer best quality and affordable education and currently there are about 300 Turkmen students studying in Malaysia, including those who are sponsored by Petronas. The Malaysian government under the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) will continue to provide management and technical short courses to be made available to Turkmen officials.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Once again, thank you much for attending the Malaysian National Day reception and I hope we all will have a good time this evening. Let me conclude my speech with a prayer to Allah the Almighty for the good health and happiness of the esteemed President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and continuous success and prosperity to the Governments and the Peoples of Malaysia and Turkmenistan.

Thank you, Sag Bolun, Terima Kasih.

H.E Ambassador Roseli Abdul …………………………………………….... Quote of the day

“A pessimist see a difficulty in every opportunity, an optimist see the opportunity in every difficulty.” Sir Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill

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MALAYSIA SPORTS CHALLENGE 2019, 5 OCTOBER 2019 IN CHULI

On 5 October 2019, in the spirit of Malaysia Sports Challenge campaign, the Embassy of Malaysia organized a sports event for staff and all Malaysian residing in Ashgabat. The event which participated by 50 participants took place at Chuli Sports Centre, 20 kilometres from Ashgabat. The main objective of this event is to emphasize the importance of healthy lifestyle to all participants.

The event commenced with ‘’ song followed by the speech by H.E. Roseli Abdul, Ambassador of Malaysia to Turkmenistan. In his speech, H.E. Roseli Abdul urged on the importance of sports and healthy lifestyle to all. The event then continued by aerobic/ zumba for 30 minutes before proceeding to mix- volleyball. The highlight of the day was the adult futsal match. The event ended with the presentation of prizes to the winner of volleyball and futsal match while participants enjoyed some potluck refreshment.

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THE LAUNCHING OF THE FOREIGN POLICY FRAMEWORK OF THE NEW MALAYSIA

On 18 September 2019, Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad launched the Foreign Policy Framework of the New Malaysia as a guide for the country in conducting its foreign

policy in a rapidly changing and challenging world.

Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said that “this framework was a result of “thorough and comprehensive” reviews and assessments as well as consultations with various stakeholders. “This participatory approach has become the cornerstone of the current government in upholding and promoting cardinal principles such as transparency,

openness and good governance. “The overarching theme of this framework is ‘Change in Continuity’. This will be the direction of the implementation of Malaysia foreign policy. Below are the highlights of the Foreign Policy Framework of the New Malaysia.

HIGHLIGHTS

Basic elements of foreign policy THE FRAMEWORK WILL remain unchanged under new GUIDE MALAYSIA IN THE Malaysia CONDUCT OF ITS

FOREIGN POLICY Malaysia continues to pursue an THROUGH: independent, principled and . Active participation pragmatic foreign policy in discussions at

various Malaysia believes in maintaining international fora friendly relations with all where Malaysia is countries and in peaceful already a member

resolution of disputes based on . Influencing the international law and norms decision-making processes at

various Malaysia remains steadfast in international fora pursuing its foreign policy goals where Malaysia is based on principles of justice and not a member fairness . Shaping the discourse on emerging issues Malaysia reserves the right to express its opinions, such as Industrial

protestations against injustices, Revolution 4.0 (IR oppression and crimes against 4.0) and the blue economy humanity Source: Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad

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INSTALLATION CEREMONY OF MALAYSIA’S 16TH AGONG

On 30 July 2019, Malaysians witnessed a major event as Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah is officially installed as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. The ceremony was broadcast live via the national television station which allowed the public to witness the historic event, which also falls on the King’s 60th birthday.

Apart from the Malay Rulers and their respective consorts, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed . Zayed Al-Nahyan and the Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and his consort Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha were also present at the ceremony.

Also in attendance were representatives of the Photo by Malay Rulers, heads of state, the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister and Cabinet Ministers, as well as

other distinguished guests comprising foreign envoys and senior government officials.

Sultan Abdullah was sworn in as Malaysia’s new King on 31 January 2019 to replace

Sultan Muhammad V who abdicated on 6 January 2019.

His Majesty was also proclaimed as the sixth Sultan of , succeeding his late father

Paduka Ayahanda Sultan Ahmad Shah Al-Musta’in Billah, on 15 January 2019 and was elected as the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong by the Conference of Rulers on 24 January 2019.

………………………………………………… MALAYSIA’S FACTS

Contrary to NGOs’ claim that millions of hectares of rainforest are felled annually for oil palm, the fact is that Malaysia’s oil palm area stood at 5 mil ha, an increase of only 4.36 mil ha in the last 35 years!

Source: Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC)

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VISIT TRULY ASIA MALAYSIA 2020

Malaysia is the only place where all the colours, flavours, sounds and sights of Asia come together. Besides Malaysia, there is no other country has Asia's three major races, Malay, Chinese, Indian, plus various other ethnic groups in large numbers. Such exciting diversity

of cultures, festivals, traditions and customs, offering unique and memorable experiences. Malaysia Truly Asia.

The year 2020 is special to all Malaysians as Visit Malaysia 2020 logo has been launched by the Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad on 22 July 2019. The government has set a target of 30 million tourist arrivals during Visit Malaysia 2020 and RM100bil in tourist receipts. The campaign will focus on ecotourism, arts and culture.

Malaysia’s tourism sector has shown significant performance recently. For the period of January to May 2019, tourist arrivals recorded a growth of 4.8% with 10.95 million tourist

arrivals compared to 10.45 million tourist arrivals in the same period last year.

According to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) in its Barometer Report published in May 2019, Malaysia ranked No. 21 among countries with highest tourism revenue, bringing in RM84.1 billion in tourism revenue in 2018.

Visit Malaysia 2020 Logo

The Visit Malaysia 2020 logo incorporates various icons of Malaysia such as the hornbill, the bunga raya (National Flower of Malaysia), the wild fern and colours of the Malaysian flag, represent the diversity of Malaysia’s culture, heritage, flora and fauna as well as experiences offered as a holiday destination. The logo was designed by 23-year-old graphic artist Alfred Phua, inspired by batik print motifs. As for the tagline, it was an idea of the Prime Minister, twisted from the old slogan of Malaysia Truly Asia.

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EMBASSY OF MALAYSIA IN TURKMENISTAN ПОСОЛЬСТВО МАЛАЙЗИИ В ТУРКМЕНИСТАНЕ DECEMBER 2019

THE LAUNCHING OF SHARED PROSPERITY VISION 2030

On 5 October 2019, Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad had launched the “T he main goal of government’s new vision Shared Prosperity 2030 (SPV 2030), a blueprint for the direction of Malaysia SPV 2030 is to provide in the next decade. The SPV 2030 is a continuation of Vision 2020, taking into account the changes that a decent standard of would happen in the next decade. living to all

In his speech, Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Malaysians, and make Mohamad mentioned that the main goal of SPV 2030 is to provide a decent standard of living to all Malaysia the new Malaysians, and make Malaysia the new “Asian ”. “Asian Tiger”. Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad

Infographic of this 188-page document as per the next page. ………………………………………………… WONDER OF MALAYSIA

ROYAL BELUM STATE PARK

Situated in the northern parts of , Royal Belum State Park is one of the oldest rainforests in world, dating back to a time when dinosaurs still roamed the earth (over 130 million years), older even than their counterparts in the Amazon or the Congo. Comprises an area of 117,500 hectares, it's home to about 1,000 indigenous Jahai people and critically endangered like the Malayan tiger, which numbers between 250 and 340 in the country and 10 species of hornbills and endangered like the Asian , the Malayan and the Malayan .

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SHARED PROSPERITY VISION 2030 DEFINITION

A commitment to make Malaysia a nation that achieves sustainable growth, and equitable wealth distribution across income groups, ethnicities, regions and supply chains

AIM

To provide a decent standard of living for all Malaysians by 2030

MAIN PRINCIPLES

ADDRESSING DEVELOPMENT FOR A UNITED, ALL WEALTH AND PROSPEROUS AND INCOME DIGNIFIED NATION DISPARITIES

Restructuring the Addressing economic

economy to be more disparities across

progressive, income groups, Building a Malaysia knowledge-based and ethnicities, region and that is united, high value, with full supply chains to prosperous and community protect and empower dignified, and in time, participation at all the rakyat in ensuring an economic centre of levels that no one is left Asia behind

…………………………………………………

7 STRATEGIC THRUSTS

A business & Human Social Social industry capital well-being Key Labour Regional capital ecosystem economic market & inclusion

growth compensation of employees Source: Ministry of Economic Affairs activities & Department of Statistics, Malaysia 13 EMBASSY OF MALAYSIA IN TURKMENISTAN ПОСОЛЬСТВО МАЛАЙЗИИ В ТУРКМЕНИСТАНЕ DECEMBER 2019

PHOTO ARCHIVES 62ND MALAYSIA NATIONAL DAY RECEPTION, 3 SEPTEMBER 2019 AT YYLDYZ HOTEL, ASHGABAT

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PICNIC IN CONJUNCTION WITH NATIONAL DAY AND MALAYSIA DAY, 31 AUGUST 2019 IN CHULI

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MALAYSIA SPORT CHALLENGE 2019, 5 OCTOBER 2019 IN CHULI

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THE OFFICIAL VISIT OF YAB TUN DR. MAHATHIR MOHAMAD TO TURKMENISTAN 26-28 OCTOBER 2019

Photo by News Central Asia Photo by

Photo by News Central Asia Photo by

Photo by News Central Asia

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