Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 21-23 January, as part of his visit to Kuala Lumpur for the roundtable "From Dialogue to Action: Uzbekistan and Malaysia on the Path to Strategic Cooperation," ISMI Director Eldor Aripov held a series of meetings with representatives of Malaysia's Parliament and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In his conversation with the Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade of the Malaysian House of Representatives, Tuan Wong Chen, the focus was on the prospects for the development of Uzbek-Malaysian relations, particularly in the area of parliamentary cooperation.

It was emphasized that in recent years, there has been a steady dynamic in the development of contacts between the legislative bodies of Uzbekistan and Malaysia. A "Friendship Group" operates in the parliaments of both countries, and high-level mutual visits are held regularly.

Specifically, in June 2024, Deputy Speaker of the Malaysian Senate, Nur Jazlan Mohamed, visited Uzbekistan, and in July of the same year, Speaker of the Legislative Chamber of the Uzbek Parliament, Nuriddin Ismailov, visited Malaysia.

The need to further expand parliamentary interaction, exchange experience in legislative activities, and implement the practice of joint meetings of specialized committees on priority areas of bilateral cooperation was highlighted.

During discussions with Malaysia's Special Representative for Afghanistan, Dato Ahmad Azam, the current situation in Afghanistan and regional security issues were addressed.

The Uzbek side conveyed its approach to supporting the peaceful and sustainable development of Afghanistan. Eldor Aripov emphasized that Afghanistan's socio-economic recovery and its integration into regional trade ties are crucial for ensuring regional security in both Central and South Asia.

Dato Ahmad Azam appreciated Uzbekistan's efforts and initiatives regarding Afghanistan, noting that the approaches of Tashkent and Kuala Lumpur are largely aligned.

As a result of the meeting, both sides expressed mutual interest in implementing joint educational programs for Afghan citizens.

Another meeting took place with the Director General of the Regional Center for Southeast Asia on Counter-Terrorism at Malaysia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dato Ganesh Shivagurunathan.

During the conversation, the two sides exchanged views on the pressing issues of international terrorism, including enhancing the effectiveness of countering violent extremism propaganda on the internet, conducting targeted educational activities for the younger generation, and implementing measures for reintegration and rehabilitation.

Both parties emphasized that only through the consolidation of efforts can modern threats and challenges be effectively countered.