KUALA LUMPUR, January 12. /Dunyo IA/. The state news agency of Malaysia, Bernama, has featured an article focusing on the expanding partnership between Malaysia and Uzbekistan, with particular emphasis on collabora The article notes that, according to the Embassy of Malaysia in Tashkent, tourism and education have been identified as key priority areas for strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.

Malaysia’s Ambassador to Tashkent, Ilham Tuah bin Illias, stated that the focus on further developing cooperation in these sectors is also in line with the Malaysian government’s flagship programme, “Visit Malaysia 2026” as well as plans to launch additional direct flights operated by Malaysian airline “Batik Air” between Tashkent and the island of Langkawi from December 2025.

The introduction of the additional air services is expected to boost tourist exchanges between the two countries, enhance international connectivity, and open up new opportunities for trade, investment and cultural exchange.tion in tourism and education.

At present, eight direct flights per week are operated between the two countries by “Uzbekistan Airways”, “Batik Air Malaysia” and “AirAsia”.

Turning to the education sector, Malaysian Ambassador noted that efforts will be intensified to promote Malaysia as an education destination for Uzbek youth, with particular emphasis on engaging universities located in the northern states of Malaysia. He highlighted that more than 600 Uzbek students were enrolled in public and private higher education institutions in Malaysia in 2025, adding that the Malaysian side aims to increase this figure further in the coming year.

“Direct Batik Air flights will enable travellers from Uzbekistan and neighbouring countries, including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and even Russia, to reach Langkawi via Tashkent”, - article states. “At the same time, many Malaysians - particularly those living in the northern states who wish to experience snow and enjoy winter skiing in the mountains will now have the opportunity to visit the Chimgan Mountains, located just an hour’s drive from Tashkent”.

In recent years, tourist arrivals between the two countries have shown a steady upward trend. More than 11,000 Malaysian tourists visited Uzbekistan in 2025 and the number is expected to increase further this year, according to the report.