BY ELENA KOSOLAPOVA
AZERI OBSERVER STAFF WRITER
Baku hosted a celebration of Malaysia’s National Day, a momentous occasion that showcased the deepening ties between the two nations.
The Malaysian Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Ahmad Kamrizamil Mohd Riza, took the opportunity to emphasize this year’s theme: “Malaysia Madani: The Spirit of Independence.” This theme reflects Malaysia’s journey toward unity. He also highlighted the collaborative spirit that has allowed both countries to thrive.
The Ambassador outlined the impressive progress Malaysia has made since gaining independence in 1957, evolving into a dynamic and diverse society built on harmony and mutual respect. With Malaysia recognized as one of the fastest-growing economies in Southeast Asia—boasting a GDP growth rate of 5.9% in the first half of 2024—there’s a clear foundation for further bilateral cooperation. The Malaysian ringgit has emerged as the world’s best-performing currency, gaining nearly 15% against the US dollar in the recent months. This economic resilience has attracted significant investments from global giants like Google, Oracle, and Tesla, positioning Malaysia as a key player in the region.
The longstanding partnership between Malaysia and Azerbaijan has grown significantly since diplomatic ties were established in 1993. Ahmad Kamrizamil Mohd Riza expressed enthusiasm for expanding collaboration in emerging sectors, particularly education, renewable energy, and technology. Education remains a priority, with Malaysian universities welcoming an increasing number of Azerbaijani students. The Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) has already benefitted 265 Azerbaijani alumni since 1986, further solidifying the educational ties between the two nations.
Tourism serves as another vital conduit for bilateral cooperation. Recent familiarization tours for Azerbaijani bloggers, influencers, and travel agents showcased Malaysia’s breathtaking landscapes and cultural richness, fostering greater understanding and appreciation between the two countries. As both nations work together on global platforms such as the UN, the Non-Aligned Movement, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, they are better equipped to address shared challenges. With COP29 on the horizon, Malaysia is committed to collaborating with Azerbaijan on climate action initiatives, highlighting the importance of joint efforts in tackling global issues.
Sahil Babayev, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Labour and Social Protection of the Population, conveyed heartfelt greetings on behalf of the Azerbaijani government, congratulating Malaysia and its people. He underscored the significance of the strong political and diplomatic relations between the two countries, noting that both have benefited from a mutually advantageous partnership. Babayev highlighted the need to enhance existing collaborations, particularly in trade, investment, and humanitarian assistance.
According to Babayev, the two nations have already signed 10 cooperation agreements across various sectors, with another 20 currently under review. Notably, trade between Azerbaijan and Malaysia has surged by an impressive 60% this year compared to the same period last year, reflecting the growing strength and potential of their bilateral relations.
As Malaysia prepares to assume the chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025, its commitment to fostering regional unity and collaboration bodes well for strengthening ties with Azerbaijan. Both countries are poised to benefit from enhanced cooperation, united in their quest for mutual progress and prosperity.
