Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Ahead of the official visit of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Malaysia, the Uzbek-Malaysian Tourism Forum titled "Uzbekistan – the Pearl of the Great Silk Road" took place on 3 February in the Malaysian state of Penang.

The forum was attended by representatives from the Committee for Tourism, leaders of tourism departments from the Malaysian government and the state of Penang, as well as leading specialists and representatives of the tourism industry from both Uzbekistan and Malaysia.

The event featured presentations on Uzbekistan’s tourism potential, its historical monuments, and cultural and natural heritage. Special attention was given to the country’s historical and cultural destinations, such as Shakhrisabz, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, and others.

During B2B meetings, attended by over 100 representatives of the tourism business from both countries, business connections were established between Uzbek and Malaysian tourism companies, prospects for cooperation were discussed, and agreements were reached to increase tourist flows.

Additionally, Malaysian tourism company representatives were introduced to new tourist attractions, updated infrastructure, and Uzbekistan’s cultural heritage, showcased at the photo exhibition "New Uzbekistan" organized within the framework of the forum.

The forum also featured a cultural program, including national songs, music, and dances that vividly demonstrated Uzbekistan’s rich cultural heritage, as well as traditional Uzbek dishes.

This forum became an important step in strengthening tourism ties between Uzbekistan and Malaysia, opening up new opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation.