EMBASSY OF , , UZBEKISTA N | ISSUE 1/2018 | JANUARY—JUNE 2018 Embassy of Malaysia, Tashkent, Newsletter | Issue 1 /2 018 2

fter serving as the Ambassador of Malaysia to Uzbekistan for three years and four months, I am honoured to be given the opportunity to be featured in this edition of A Axborot for the first quarter of 2018, which would be my last. My tenure in Uzbekistan is especially meaningful and enriching for me as I personally experienced first hand the development of this country, and I can attest that Uzbekistan is indeed heading in a positive direction. Mainly, I am especially honoured to have witnessed the announcement by the esteemed of the visa- free regime for 30 days to Malaysians on 10 February 2018. This announcement is very much welcomed as Uzbekistan’s reciprocity to our goodwill and generosity of according them visa-free status since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1992.

I wish to encourage all Malaysians to take this opportunity to visit Uzbekistan especially to explore the Historical Islamic Heritages in and . I am also pleased to note ’ (Havo Yollari) announcement to extend its Tashkent- flights further to Langkawi and Kota Kinabalu beginning 18 April 2018. I would like to welcome fellow to come visit Malaysia and share your beautiful culture with us.

This year, Uzbekistan declared that 2018 would be the “Year of entrepreneurship, innovative ideas and technologies” which will focus on comprehensive measures to support entrepreneurship and innovation towards removing barriers and obstacles for the dynamic and stable development of business entities. As such, I believe this would be an invaluable opportunity for Malaysian business community to consider investments in Uzbekistan. Likewise, it would also be an avenue for Uzbekistani´s business community to network and explore investment opportunities in Malaysia.

Notwithstanding the above, I am confident that Malaysia and Uzbekistan will continue to cooperate, not only confined to political and economic spheres but also on other areas such as education, culture, sports, broadcasting, public administration and agriculture. I believe that this real friendship between Uzbekistan and Malaysia will continue to flourish and further expand in the future. It is also my fervent hope that our long-standing friendship will inspire us to continue working closely on matters of common interest as well as venture into new ideas and initiatives.

Finally, I wish you good health, well-being and continued prosperity and happiness in the coming years. This is not goodbye but more of a “Ko’rishguncha!”

Dato’ Nor’aini Abd. Hamid Former Ambassador of Malaysia to Uzbekistan, And

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In January 2018, the Embassy of Malaysia in On 26 February 2018, the Embassy bade Tashkent Uzbekistan welcomed Mr. Aneurin farewell to H.E. Dato’ Nor’aini Abd. Hamid, Ignatius on 26 January 2018 who filled the who served as the Ambassador of Malaysia post of Second Secretary and Head of to Uzbekistan from 10 October 2014 to 26 Chancery. The Embassy bade farewell to Mr. February 2018. Mohd Fadzli Mohd Radzi who served as the First Secretary and Head of Chancery from 23 November 2014 to 30 January 2018.

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FAREWELL CALL ON H.E. ABDULAZIZ KAMILOV MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF UZBEKISTAN ON 19 FEBRUARY 2018

H.E. Ambassador paid a farewell call on H.E. Abdulaziz Kamilov, Min- ister of Foreign Affairs of the Re- public of Uzbekistan on February 19, 2018.

Their discussion, among others, touched on the state and perspec- tive directions of bilateral relations, a number of topical international and regional issues and the expan- sion of mutually beneficial trade, education, economic and invest- ment ties of mutual interests to both countries.

FAREWELL CALL ON MR. ABROR FATKHULLAYEV HEAD OF THE -PACIFIC DEPARTMENT ON 30 JANUARY 2018

H.E. Ambassador paid a farewell call on Mr. Fatkhullayev Abror Djakhangerovich, Head of the Department for Cooperation with Asia-Pacific Countries, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Uzbekistan on 30 January 2018.

During the meeting, H.E. Ambassador expressed her deep appreciation for the Ministry’s close collaboration and cooperation during her enriching and fruitful tenure in Uzbekistan.

Embassy of Malaysia, Tashkent, Uzbekistan Newsletter | Issue 1 /2 018 5 FAREWELL CALL ON MR. ABDURAHIM M. MANNANOV RECTOR OF THE TASHKENT STATE INSTITUTE OF ORIENTAL STUDIES (TSIOS) ON 2 FEBRUARY 2018

H.E. Ambassador Dato’ tive sessions throughout Nor’ Aini Abd Hamid paid 2017 with students ma- a farewell call on Mr. Ab- joring in Bahasa Melayu durahim M. Mannanov, and assured continued Rector of the TSIOS on 2 participation by Mission February 2018. at the institution. The Rector looked forward to H.E. Ambassador ex- further cooperation with pressed appreciation for Malaysia in the field of the opportunity to con- education and culture. duct the weekly interac-

FAREWELL CALL ON MR. D. USMANKHAN ALIMOV, MUFTI AND CHAIRMAN OF THE MUSLIM BOARD OF UZBEKISTAN ON 3 FEBRUARY 2018

H.E. Ambassador Dato’ Ambassador expressed Nor’ Aini Abd Hamid appreciation for the paid a farewell call on close cooperation ex- Mr. D. Usmankhan Ali- tended by the Muslim mov, Mufti and Chair- Board. Both sides as- man of the Muslim sured continued cooper- Board of Uzbekistan on ation in future. 3 February 2018. H.E.

FAREWELL CALL ON MR. GANISHER RAKHIMOV, RECTOR OF UZBEKISTAN STATE UNIVERSITY OF WORLD LANGUAGES (USWLU) ON 20 FEBRUARY 2018 H.E. Ambassador Dato’ tion of the Malaysian Nor’Aini Abd Hamid language at the Univer- paid a farewell visit to sity, the established USWLU on 20 February partnerships with uni- 2018. Among the topics versities of Malaysia, discussed were the scientific conferences, work done in the devel- various programs and opment and dissemina- scholarships.

Embassy of Malaysia, Tashkent, Uzbekistan Newsletter | Issue 1 /2 018 6 MEETING WITH SENATOR ALISHER KURMANOV, MEMBER OF THE SENATE PARLIAMENT OF UZBEKISTAN ON 13 FEBRUARY 2018

H.E. Ambassador paid a farewell call on foreign economic relations and on 13 Senator Alisher Kurmanov, Chairman of the February 2018. Senate Committee on international relations, Both discussed the ongoing reforms in the Republic of Uzbekistan which have provided a comprehensive and accelerated development of the state and society, the implementation of priority areas for the modernisation of the country and the liberalisation of all spheres of life. The Senator mentioned that in the context of globalisation, the state requires the development and implementation of fundamentally new ideas and principles for further sustainable and advanced development of the country.

Both expressed satisfaction with the current encouraging relations between Malaysia and Uzbekistan and expressed hope for deeper cooperation particularly in the economic and tourism sector.

MEETING WITH MR. SHAHRUKH SHARAKHMETOV, DEPUTY CHAIRMAN UZBEKISTAN STATE COMMITTEE OF TOURISM ON 20 FEBRUARY 2018

H.E. Ambassador paid a farewell call on Mr. Shahrukh Sharakhmetov, Deputy Chairman of Uzbekistan State Committee of Tourism on 20 February 2018. During the 2 hour meeting, both discussed the prospect of further improving Malaysia- Uzbekistan tourism cooperation. The Deputy Chairman mentioned that Uzbeki- stan is eyeing Malaysia as a partner to tap into the huge potential in Ziyarat-tourism (pilgrimage tourism), investment opportunities, and opportunities to establish mutually benefi- cial cooperation.

H.E. Ambassador shared candidly her pro- particularly on improving tourism facilities ca- posals on how Uzbekistan could attract more tered to Malaysian Muslim tourists. Malaysian pilgrimage tourist to the country,

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On 8 February 2018, H.E. Ambassador hosted an ASEAN Ladies and Friends lunch.

On 8 July 2018, the CDA a.i. attended a friendly dinner hosted by H.E Anak Agung Gde Alit Santhika, Ambassador of to Uzbekistan. It was held in honour of ’s roving Ambassador, H.E. Zulkifli Baharudin.

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MEETING WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF AMIRAN TECHNOLOGY SDN BHD AND UNITED GROUP TECHNOLOGY ON 5 MARCH 2018

On 5 March 2018, the green bio fuel prod- Embassy received a uct development. visit from Amiran Technology Sdn Bhd Amiran Technology is (Malaysia) & United a technology-driven Group Technology company dedicated (Uzbekistan). to the development and manufacture of Both companies Syn-Fuel Hybrid Gas signed an MoU on Generator. collaboration in re- newable energy and

OPENING CEREMONY OF LLC “AGARCIS ASIA” ON 25 MARCH 2018

Bioresis is a Malaysian Company with 45 years product by a unique formula, Beta Glucan of experience in processing and culturing herb- 1.3/1.6 derived from the said herbal mush- al mushrooms, under the leadership of the rooms. Doctor and Mycologist Ms Breana Du, Founder of the International Company "Agarcis", estab- The principal partner of the International Com- lished an investment project in Uzbekistan. pany "Agarcis" in Uzbekistan namely LLC “Agarcis Asia” held an opening ceremony for The project includes the building of health this project on 25 March 2018 at Taj Mahal Res- complexes and medical clinics in the Republic taurant Tashkent. of Uzbekistan which specialises in prevention and treatment of cancer using an innovative

Embassy of Malaysia, Tashkent, Uzbekistan Newsletter | Issue 1 /2 018 9 MALAYSIAN PALM OIL COUNCIL (MPOC) BUSINESS NETWORKING DINNER ON 20 APRIL 2018

The Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) hosted of nutritional and functional attributes of palm a business networking dinner on 20 April 2018 oil in various food applications. at Allegro Restaurant, International Hotel, Representatives of the Embassy of Malaysia in Tashkent. The event was part of MPOC’s Uzbekistan were also present at the dinner market visit to Uzbekistan in which MPOC and interacted with the importers and traders officials from and Malaysia visited of Malaysian palm oil. Mr Faisal Iqbal, Regional Tashkent and Samarkand to meet with leading Manager, MPOC gave the opening remarks manufacturers in the confectionary and food and shared his views on the role of Malaysian industry. palm oil in the global oils and fats market and The objective of this visit was to further the importance of Uzbekistan as a key market expand the usage of palm oil in the food sector for Malaysia in the Central Asian Region. of Uzbekistan and to increase the awareness

SILVERLAKE GROUP MEETING WITH MITC ON 29 MAY 2018 The Ministry for Development of Information areas of information and communication Technologies and Communications of the technologies. Special attention was paid to Republic of Uzbekistan (MITC) hosted a the possible implementation of joint high-tech meeting with representatives from Silverlake projects in the field of e-government. Group led by the company’s director YBhg. Dato’ M. Redzuan Kushairi. The meeting discussed the development of bilateral mutually beneficial cooperation in the newest

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TASHKENT INSTITUTE OF POSTGRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION (TIPME) ON 19 FEBRUARY 2018

H.E. Ambassador held a meeting with Professor Dr. H. A. Akilov, Rector of Tashkent Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education (TIPME).

The Meeting discussed prospects of establishing cooperation between Tashkent Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education with Malaysian medical establishments.

BAHASA MALAYSIA LANGUAGE CENTRE : MEETING BETWEEN UPSI AND USWLU ON 26 & 27 FEBRUARY 2018

On 26 & 27 February 2018, UPSI and USWLU discussed Komunikasi), who will con- representatives from Univer- the establishment of a Malay duct Bahasa Malaysia lessons siti Pendidikan Sultan Idris Language Centre in USWLU. in USWLU. (UPSI) and Uzbekistan State For the setting up the centre, University of World Lan- UPSI has provided the univer- guages (USWLU) met to dis- sity with the equipment, cuss cooperation in promoting books and literature, as well of teaching and learning for- as assigning a Bahasa Malay- eign languages, both in Uz- sia teacher; Mr Mohd Faiz bin bekistan and Malaysia. Idris (Fakulti Bahasa dan

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ANNUAL CULTURE FAIR ORGANISED BY THE WESTMINISTER INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY TASHKENT (WIUT) ON 28 APRIL 2018

The Embassy of Malaysia in Tashkent, The Embassy of Malaysia introduced Uzbekistan participated in the annual Culture handicrafts and folk games as well as Fair organised by the Westminister provided the opportunity for visitors to be International University Tashkent (WIUT) on photographed with students adorning 28 April 2018. Malaysian national costumes. This event gathered more than 500 people consisting of artists, researchers, journalists and students. During the event, representatives of diplomatic missions and cultural centres in Uzbekistan presented their traditional outfits, musical instruments, dances and customs.

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“XVI FESTIVAL OF CULTURAL TRADITIONS AND NATIONAL DISHES AMONG DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS ACCREDITED IN THE REPUBLIC OF UZBEKISTAN” ON 5 MAY 2018

The Embassy of Malaysia in Tashkent, The Embassy of Malaysia in Tashkent Uzbekistan participated in the “XVI Festival of showcased Malaysian food prepared by Home Cultural Traditions and National Dishes among Based and Locally Recruited Staffs as well as diplomatic missions accredited in the Republic presented two Malaysian dance performances of Uzbekistan” which was held on 5 May 2018 by a local dance company. at the Uzexpocentre in Tashkent. In addition, representatives of 12 regions of The event which was held annually was Uzbekistan acquainted guests with the organised by the Department of Diplomatic history, ancient cities of the republic, priceless Service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of monuments of culture and architecture, as the Republic of Uzbekistan with the well as national dishes of the regions. assistance of the Association of Cooks of Uzbekistan. During the festival, guests enjoyed the culture, customs and traditions, national costumes, cuisine and sweets, samples of handicraft and applied arts of more than 40 diplomatic missions who participated in the event.

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ENGAGEMENT WITH LOCAL PRESS H.E. Ambassador Da- ful discussion on ways to’ Nor’ Aini Abd Ha- for further coopera- mid hosted lunch at tion between Malay- the Ambassador’s res- sia and Uzbekistan in idence in honor of Dr. various sector particu- Sardor Usmanov, larly in the field of Head of Department press and journalism. of the International Press Club, Uzbeki- stan. Both had a fruit-

INTERVIEW WITH ORIAT.FM

The Embassy participat- Chinese New Year in ed in a radio interview Malaysia. The interview with Oriat.FM. The pro- session also included gramme which intro- interaction with listen- duces foreign culture to ers who were interested Uzbek listeners talked in knowing more about about the celebration of Malaysia.

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EMBASSY OF MALAYSIA IN TASHKENT REPUBLIC OF UZBEKISTAN

No. 56-58, Tafakkur Street, District, 100031 Tashkent Republic of Uzbekistan

00 (998-71) 254 0961 00 (998-71) 256 3027 [email protected] 00 (998-71) 256 3299

@MYEmbTashkent @MYEmbTashkent