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Official welcome for the President of Turkmenistan at Perdana Putra

Anwar Ibrahim Photo

PUTRAJAYA, 19 December- The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedow, was accorded an official reception at the Perdana Putra Complex here today.

Currently on a two-day official visit to Malaysia, Berdimuhamedow arrived yesterday for his inaugural visit since assuming office in March 2022.

His arrival was greeted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at 9.00am, before the national anthems of both countries were played.

He then inspected the Guard of Honor consisting of 103 members and three officers from the First Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment.

The ceremony was also attended by Deputy Prime Ministers, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Cabinet members, foreign diplomats and senior government officials.

Berdimuhamedow is then scheduled to hold a meeting with the Prime Minister.

The two leaders are expected to discuss bilateral issues including trade and investment, oil and gas cooperation, higher education, tourism and connectivity.

The two leaders are also expected to exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest, including Malaysia's 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship.

Trade between Malaysia and Turkmenistan showed significant growth as evidenced from January to October 2024 where total trade jumped 74.8 percent to RM63.28 million (US$13.90 million) compared to RM36.19 million (US$7.91 million) during the same period last year.

In 2023, Turkmenistan is Malaysia's fourth largest trading partner among Central Asian countries with a trade volume of RM48.62 million (US$10.57 million).

NIZAHA BINTI ABDUL KAREM