KUALA LUMPUR, August 15. /Dunyo IA/.  Diplomats of Uzbekistan met with Aminuddin bin Yahaya, Deputy Director General of the Immigration Department of Malaysia, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

During the meeting, prospects for further simplifying the visa-free regime for citizens of Uzbekistan up to 30 days and easing the procedures for obtaining long-term visas were discussed.

Uzbek diplomats briefed on the ongoing reforms in the country's visa policy, as well as measures to ensure safe external labor migration and support for citizens of Uzbekistan working and studying abroad.

It was noted that in recent years, Uzbekistan has introduced a visa-free regime for citizens of more than 93 countries and launched an electronic visa system for over 70 additional nations.

The sides also highlighted the consistent development of cooperation between Uzbekistan and Malaysia in the trade, economic, tourism, educational and cultural-humanitarian spheres. It was emphasized that the relevant agreements were reached during the mutual official visits of the heads of the two states.

Aminuddin bin Yahaya highly appreciated the ongoing reforms in Uzbekistan and noted the growth of tourism exchanges between the two countries in recent years.

Representatives of the Immigration Department of Malaysia also reported an increase in the number of Uzbek citizens who have obtained legal residence permits in the country. According to them, citizens of Uzbekistan primarily arrive in Malaysia to pursue education and to work as skilled professionals.