PUTRAJAYA: MALAYSIA and Tajikistan are not only keen to boost bilateral ties in many areas, but share the same stand on issues concerning the Muslim world.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said he and Tajikistan President Emomali Sharipovich Rahmon enjoyed a productive discussion yesterday on matters pertaining to boosting bilateral ties.
“The bilateral trade between Malaysia and Tajikistan last year stood at US$5.5 million (RM17 million).
“Our trade value saw a 184 per cent increase compared with 2012.
“We have discussed the scopes that can bring it to a higher level,” Najib told a joint press conference here yesterday.
Present were Second Education Minister Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh, Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Richard Riot Jaem, Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin and Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Datuk Hamzah Zainuddin.
To spur economic growth, Najib said an inter-government commission for economy and trade should be established to assist and discuss strategies and opportunities in sectors that both countries could explore further.
He said Malaysian companies were keen on looking into investment opportunities in Tajikistan.
“Malaysia’s strengths are in housing, power generation and mining, as well as halal food and products.
“We hope for a stronger beginning, with much bigger interests, between the two countries.”
With regards to the ummah, Najib said both nations agreed on the importance of unity among Muslims.
“We share common interests in many issues concerning Muslim countries and in the context of unity.”
Najib expressed Malaysia’s gratitude to the republic for its support in the former’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council.
On education, Najib expressed hope that more Tajik students would choose Malaysia to further their tertiary studies.
“There are more than 200 Tajik students studying in Malaysia and we hope the number will grow.”
He stressed on the need to boost people-to-people contact, which could be carried out via tourism.
Najib and Rahmon witnessed the signing of several memoranda of understanding, from education to tourism, between the countries.
Rahmon is in Malaysia for a four-day state visit on the invitation of Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah.
He is accompanied by his wife, Azizahmoh Rahmon.
The Tajikistan delegation comprised Foreign Minister Aslov Sirodjidin, Economic Development and Trade Minister Rahimzoda Sharif, Education and Science Minister Said Nuriddin, senior government officials and businessmen.
This is Rahmon’s first state visit to Malaysia since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two nations in 1992.
Rahmon took the opportunity to extend an invitation to the king, as well as Najib, to undertake a reciprocal visit to Tajikistan.
Rahmon said he welcomed Malaysia’s upcoming chairmanship of Asean next year.
“We look forward to a stronger partnership with Malaysia.”