Welcoming his guest, the Senate Chairman highlighted the growing relationship between Azerbaijan and Malaysia in recent years. He also expressed his gratitude for the invitation extended to Malaysian officials to attend the 29th session of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), which is set to take place in Baku.
Fuad Muradov thanked the Senate Chairman for the warm reception and recalled with satisfaction that last year marked the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Malaysia. He expressed gratitude to the Malaysian government and people for their consistent support of Azerbaijan’s just position during the 30 years when 20% of Azerbaijani territory was under Armenian occupation. He further provided insights into the diaspora policy of Azerbaijan, the history of the Committee, its areas of activity, and the various projects being implemented. Muradov emphasized the significant cooperation prospects between the two countries and shared his thoughts on the integration of the Azerbaijani community into Malaysian society, as well as educational opportunities for young Azerbaijanis.
The meeting was also attended by Malaysian senators Manolan bin Mohamad, Tuan Isaiah D. Jacob, Nelson Renganathan, and Zurainah Musa.
In a subsequent meeting, Fuad Muradov met with Zahir bin Hassan, head of the Malaysian Parliament’s Friendship Group for the West Asia region. Zahir bin Hassan, who visited Azerbaijan this past May, remarked that the visa-free regime between the two countries is a clear indication of the strong bilateral relations.
Fuad Muradov provided detailed information on the Committee’s work, which was established by Azerbaijan’s national leader Heydar Aliyev, and its activities aimed at integrating the Azerbaijani diaspora into local societies while maintaining their national identity. He also discussed collaborative projects with friendly nations, the educational lives of Azerbaijani students in Malaysia, and opportunities for experience exchange within the framework of international projects.
During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
As part of his visit, Muradov also met with Malaysia’s Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Mustafa Sakmud. The Deputy Minister expressed satisfaction with the current level of relations between the two countries and stressed the importance of strengthening collaboration in student exchange programs, stating, “We view them as future members of the Azerbaijani diaspora in Malaysia.”
Fuad Muradov shared details about state support for education in Azerbaijan, the State Program for Education Abroad, the newly established Karabakh University in Khankendi, as well as Azerbaijani houses and weekend schools that operate with the support of the State Committee on Work with Diaspora.
Azerbaijan’s ambassador to Malaysia, Irfan Davudov, also participated in the meetings, which continued with mutual discussions on further cooperation.
