BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 10. The Chairman of the State Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan for Work with Diaspora Fuad Muradov met with the Chairman of the Malaysian Senate Awang Bemee as part of his official visit to Malaysia, Trend reports via the committee.
Welcoming the guest, the Senate Chairman emphasized the upward trajectory of relations between the two countries and expressed gratitude for the invitation extended to Malaysian officials to attend the upcoming Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) in Baku.
In response, Muradov thanked him for the warm reception and noted with satisfaction that last year marked 30 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Malaysia. He expressed appreciation for the consistent support from the Malaysian government and people at the UN, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and other international platforms regarding Azerbaijan’s just position during the 30 years in which 20 percent of Azerbaijani territory was under Armenian occupation.
Discussing the diaspora policy of the Azerbaijani state, the committee’s chairman highlighted the significant prospects for cooperation between the two countries. He shared insights on integrating the Azerbaijani community into Malaysian society and the educational opportunities for young compatriots.
The meeting also included Malaysian senators Manolan bin Mohamad, Tuan Isaiah D. Jacob, Nelson Renganathan, and Zuraina Musa.
Muradov’s next meeting was with the head of the Malaysia-West Asia Parliamentary Friendship Group, Zahir bin Hassan.
Recalling his visit to Azerbaijan in May, the Malaysian MP viewed the visa-free regime between the two countries as a testament to the high level of bilateral relations.
In outlining the committee’s activities, established by national leader Heydar Aliyev, Muradov noted that, following the recommendations of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, efforts are underway to integrate compatriots into local communities. He reported on the work conducted by Azerbaijani communities abroad and initiatives aimed at preserving their national identity, as well as educational experiences for Azerbaijani students in Malaysia.
Discussions regarding the development of cooperation on issues of mutual interest also took place in the meeting.
As part of the visit, Muradov met with the Deputy Minister of Higher Education of Malaysia, Mustafa Sakmud, as well. The Deputy Minister expressed satisfaction with the current level of relations and emphasized the importance of enhancing mutual student exchange programs.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to education in Azerbaijan, Muradov spoke about the state program for studying abroad, the establishment of the Karabakh University, which began operations this year in Khankendi, "Azerbaijan Houses" and weekend schools supported by the State Committee.
The Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Malaysia, Irfan Davudov, also participated in the meeting.
