After Kazan, PM Anwar begins two-day official visit to Turkmenistan

ASHGABAT: After attending the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit in Kazan, Russia, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will begin a two-day official visit to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, starting tonight.

The official visit, which will continue until tomorrow, is being undertaken at the invitation of Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

Anwar is accompanied by Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, Economy Minister Datuk Seri Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir, as well as officials from the Prime Minister's Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, and the Ministry of Economy.

According to Malaysia's Ambassador to Turkmenistan, Suhaimi Tajuddin, the Prime Minister is expected to arrive in Ashgabat at 8.30pm local time today and will begin his visit by attending a dinner with the Malaysian diaspora and Friends of Malaysia at Hotel Yyldyz.

Following that, he said the visit will continue on Friday with an Official Welcoming Ceremony hosted by the President of Turkmenistan at the Presidential Palace, followed by a four-eye meeting and bilateral talks between the two leaders.

"In addition, both leaders are also scheduled to witness the signing of a joint statement as well as the exchange of agreements and memoranda of understanding that have been agreed upon between the two governments," he said during a press conference in Ashgabat.

The two leaders are expected to hold a joint press conference after the conclusion of the official programme.

Apart from strengthening bilateral relations, both leaders are also expected to explore potential cooperation in trade and investment, higher education, and tourism.

Suhaimi added that these efforts are also expected to create greater opportunities for Malaysian companies to expand exports, particularly in the halal industry and palm oil-based products.

Following the Official Welcoming Ceremony, the Prime Minister is also scheduled to perform Friday prayers at Gypjak Mosque with the Mufti of Turkmenistan, Yalkap Hojagulyyev, and local congregants.

He will then attend the Turkmenistan-Malaysia Forum in conjunction with the 30th anniversary of bilateral cooperation in the oil and gas sector, which will be held at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan.

Anwar is also scheduled to hold a press conference before departing for Malaysia from Ashgabat International Airport.

In 2025, total trade between Malaysia and Turkmenistan amounted to RM75.80 million, with a trade surplus in Malaysia's favour of RM75.20 million.

Malaysia's exports to the Central Asian nation were dominated by the agricultural sector, which accounted for 68.8 per cent of total exports, including coffee products.