Fuad Muradov, Chairman of the State Committee on Work with Diaspora, is on an official visit to Malaysia. As part of the visit Fuad Muradov met with Awang Bemee, President of the Senate of Malaysia.

Sincerely greeting the guest, the Senate President emphasized the upward trajectory of relations between the two countries and expressed gratitude for the invitation extended to Malaysian officials to attend the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP29) in Baku.

In response, Fuad Muradov expressed his deep gratitude 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 gave information about the history of Committee, ongoing projects by committee and 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.

The Committee Chairman’s next meeting was with Zahir bin Hassan, the Head of the Friendship Group of the Malaysian Parliament for the West Asia region. Recalling his visit to Azerbaijan in May, the Malaysian deputy evaluated the existence of a visa-free regime between the two countries as a indication of the high level of bilateral relations.

In outlining the committee’s activities, established by National Leader Heydar Aliyev, Fuad 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 at the meeting.

As part of the visit, Fuad Muradov met with Mustafa Sakmud, the Deputy Minister of Higher Education of Malaysia, 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, Fuad 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.

Irfan Davudov, the Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Malaysia, also participated in the meeting.