Malaysian King Calls For Stronger Bilateral Ties With Turkmenistan

PUTRAJAYA, Dec 8 (Bernama) -- King Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin has proposed that Malaysia and Turkmenistan to continue exploring other sectors to strengthen the bilateral ties between the two countries. He said the diplomatic ties between Malaysia and Turkmenistan, which had existed since 1992, had progressed tremendously, with the latest proof being the opening of Malaysia's Embassy in Ashgabat scheduled for end of this month. "I'm glad with the encouraging development especially in the oil and gas sector, economy and trade, as well as in the development of human capital. "However, we still have seek opportunities in other sectors to strengthen our bilateral ties," he said at a state dinner in honour of the visiting President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov at Melawati Palace here Wednesday. Present were Prime Minister Datuk Ser i Najib Tun Razak, Foreign Minister Anifah Aman and Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Jamil Khir Baharom. Meanwhile, Berdimuhamedov said Turkmenistan had great respect for the constructive and balanced policy that distinguished Malaysia in the international arena, especially for its important and positive roles in Asia and Asia Pacific. "For our part, we clearly see the strive and readiness of Malaysia and the rulership of the country to cooperate with us. We appreciate your respect for the model of internal development and the foreign policy course chosen by Turkmenistan, and your support of our international initiatives," he said. Berdimuhamedov also called for the relations of friendship and cooperation between Turkmenistan and Malaysia to be further developed and strengthened. He said the mutual understanding and cooperation that existed between the two countries were, to the wide extent, the results of personal contribution of Tuanku Mizan and Najib to the development of relations with Turkmenistan. "Turkmenistan is your good and faithful friend! Our country is a devoted supporter of the steady development of comprehensive relations with Malaysia," he said, adding that the relations between Turkmenistan and Malaysia were built on the principles of equality, mutual respect, trust and openness. -- BERNAMA