BISHKEK, May 16 — The Kyrgyz Republic yesterday asked Malaysia to appoint an adviser to the country, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Anwar said this request was made by Kyrgyz Cabinet Chairman Akylbek Zhaparov during a meeting at the Ala Archa State Residence here this afternoon.
“He (Zhaparov) requested that if possible, we appoint someone to serve as an adviser to the (Kyrgyz) government. This shows his level of respect and recognition for the Malaysian government.
“… When they want to negotiate issues such as privatisation, hydro projects, highways or gold mining, for example, they would ask us to give advice and share our experiences,” he said.
Anwar was speaking to Malaysian media at a press conference in conjunction with his two-day official visit to Bishkek. Anwar began his visit today at the invitation of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov.
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said Bishkek’s request will be discussed at the next Cabinet meeting.
The Prime Minister views the potential adviser appointment as not only part of the conduct of bilateral relations, but also providing opportunities for Malaysian investors as there are many areas of cooperation for the two countries to explore.
Anwar said Malaysia’s halal sector and Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) have attracted the attention of the Kyrgyz Republic, which is keen to learn about TH’s haj and administrative management.
He said this shows that the Kyrgyz Republic, a Muslim-majority country that was formerly part of the Soviet Union, highly respects Malaysia as an Islamic country and is interested in following some of the implementation methods and reforms undertaken by Malaysia.
Touching on tourism, the Prime Minister said this sector has great potential to be strengthened between Malaysia and the Kyrgyz Republic, as both countries have unique attractions of their own.
“The Kyrgyz Republic has mountainous areas, and its people are very interested in forest and beach areas in our country,” he said.
Anwar said the Kyrgyz Republic has asked for more opportunities for its citizens to study in Malaysia.
Asked about his official visit to Central Asian countries, including Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan after this, Anwar said the region has great cooperation potential.
“There is strategic importance here. Firstly, it enjoys the advantage of being close to Russia and China. Their (Central Asian countries’) intelligence and perspectives can help us as a developing country,” he said.
Commenting on cooperation with the Kyrgyz Republic, which began in 1992, Anwar said it is time for this cooperation to be strengthened as it benefits the country.
— Bernama
