Zambry and Gadoev (third and fourth from left) with ambassadors (from left) Mashalov, Anarbaev, Qodiri and Sugurbayev at the reception. — CHAN TAK KONG/The Star
THE dynamic relationship between Malaysia and Uzbekistan is set to grow as the latter celebrates its 33rd Independence Day.
Uzbekistan ambassador to Malaysia Karomidin Gadoev said high-level dialogues were crucial to maintain the multi- faceted relationship between the two countries.
“The visit by Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to Uzbekistan in May marks an important page in the bilateral relationship between us.
“Malaysia and Uzbekistan have had friendly political, economic, cultural and educational ties with each other, and we will strive to maintain them,” he said in his welcoming remarks at a reception in Kuala Lumpur.
Gadoev said Uzbekistan was also prospering, thanks to stable politics and economy in the country, with its gross domestic product (GDP) reaching an all-time high of US$90.89bil (RM383bil) last year.
“In this rapidly changing world, our most important task is to increase the volume of mutual trade and investments among our partners,” he said.
Also present at the reception were Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, Kazakhstan Ambassador to Malaysia Bulat Sugurbayev, Tajikistan Ambassador to Malaysia Ardasher Saeedjaafar Qodiri, Kyrgyzstan Ambassador to Malaysia Anvar Anarbaev, and Turkmenistan Ambassador to Malaysia M. Mashalov.
Kickstarting the ceremony was a performance by four dancers accompanied by the beats of doira, an Uzbek traditional musical instrument.
Zambry and Gadoev were then invited onto the stage.
They took turns to raise a toast to the governments and people of Malaysia and Uzbekistan.
After the ceremony, the guests enjoyed a dinner consisting of Malaysian delights such as char kuey teow and mutton kurma with potato, as well as Uzbek fruits including melo, pomegranate and grapes.
They were also entertained with Uzbek traditional music and dance during the dinner.
