Kuala Lumpur, 21 September 2026 – The Institute of Strategic and International Studies Malaysia (ISIS Malaysia) hosted a roundtable entitled “The Case for Deeper Malaysia–Central Asia Engagement”, focusing on opportunities to strengthen political, economic and people-to-people cooperation between Malaysia and the countries of Central Asia.

The event was attended by Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Malaysia Kyran Orynbekov, Executive Chairman of ISIS Malaysia Professor Dr Mohd Faiz Abdullah, leading expert at the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan (KazISS) Bauyrzhan Auken, representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia, experts from research institutions in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, diplomats and members of the wider expert community.

In his opening remarks, Kyran Orynbekov noted that Kazakhstan pursues an active and balanced foreign policy based on dialogue, mutual respect and multilateral cooperation. He highlighted Kazakhstan’s international initiatives aimed at promoting peace, security and international dialogue, including the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, Kazakhstan’s advocacy for a world free of nuclear weapons, and the initiative to establish the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA). He also emphasised Kazakhstan’s consistent contribution to strengthening multilateral cooperation, building mutual trust and promoting peaceful solutions to international and regional challenges.

Executive Chairman of ISIS Malaysia Professor Dr Mohd Faiz Abdullah stressed that closer engagement among countries with shared approaches and interests creates favourable conditions for strengthening mutual understanding and developing long-term partnerships. He highlighted the significant potential for expanding cooperation between Malaysia and the Central Asian countries, including in trade and investment, education and other promising areas.

Particular attention during the discussion was given to Kazakhstan’s political and constitutional modernisation. In his presentation of the ISIS Malaysia research note, analyst Qarrem Kassim examined key developments in Kazakhstan’s political system, including the constitutional referendum and the establishment of a new unicameral Parliament — the Kurultai. He noted that the new Parliament could provide an additional official channel for developing long-term economic partnerships, alongside engagement with government bodies, state-owned enterprises and relevant economic agencies.

The discussion also highlighted significant opportunities for further cooperation between Malaysia, Kazakhstan and other Central Asian countries in areas such as trade and investment, connectivity, energy, critical minerals, digital technologies, education and research.

The roundtable provided a valuable platform for deepening mutual understanding between Malaysia and Central Asia, expanding political and expert dialogue, and identifying new opportunities for practical cooperation.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-kuala-lumpur/press/news/details/1295448?lang=ru