Oleh/By : DATO' SERI DR. MAHATHIR BIN MOHAMAD
Tempat/Venue : BISHKEK,KYRGYZ
Tarikh/Date : 11/09/97
Tajuk/Title : THE OFFICIAL DINNER HOSTED BY H.E.
PRESIDENT ASKAR AKAYEV, PRESIDENT
OF THE KYRGYZ REPUBLIC
1. I am indeed very happy to be in Bishkek once again.
We are overwhelmed by the warm welcome and reception that
we have received. On behalf of my delegation, I would
like to thank our hosts for the welcome, friendship and
hospitality accorded to us.
2. Since our last visit to Bishkek a year ago, we note
that remarkable changes have taken place in the Kyrgyz
Republic. These changes are a clear signal that the
Republic is well on the way to achieving a transformation
to a free market economy. We admire the courage with
which steps are being taken to globalise the Kyrgyz
economy. We also believe that we can work with other
countries and institutions and contribute in a meaningful
way towards establishing a full-fledged free market
economy in the Kyrgyz Republic.
3. The Kyrgyz Republic starts with significant
advantages in its drive towards a free market economy. It
has a pool of highly skilled and well qualified scientists
and other professional technocrats. We believe these
experts can contribute to the well-being of the Kyrgyz
Republic and other countries as well. Our two countries
continue to hold discussions on how some of these
scientists can come to Malaysia and play a role in the
development process. While certain issues including those
related to language and the question of mutual recognition
of professional qualifications have to be sorted out, we
are optimistic that there is tremendous scope for our
countries to work together.
4. During the present visit to this beautiful country,
we have the important task of initiating discussions on
the joint study of the Kyrgyz economy that has been
carried out by the officials of both the Malaysian and
Kyrgyz governments. The report's uniqueness lies in the
substantial interaction that took place between our two
countries in drawing up the recommendations.
5. I am informed that it had been a pleasant and
rewarding experience to work with Kyrgyz officials of
various levels in compiling the report. It is notable
that during the various different stages the report was
done on a highly consultative basis. Its fast completion
is a tribute to the high mutual regard that has evolved
between our two countries. I am also informed that, at
all times, particularly in the final stages, our officials
were working on the basis of an equal partnership. I
trust that the report would serve as a useful guide for
the future direction of the Kyrgyz economy. While its
implementation is left entirely to the Kyrgyz Government I
must indicate Malaysia's readiness to assist, wherever
possible, in addressing problems that may arise.
6. It is my hope that the Malaysian private sector
delegation that is with me will be able to establish firm
linkages with their counterparts especially in areas
related to tourism, mining and infrastructure development.
The early conclusion of good understanding on these
matters would go a long way towards laying the foundation
for future cooperation. It would also serve the purpose
of encouraging other small and medium businesses in our
two countries to initiate close cooperation.
7. Allow me to reiterate that many of Malaysia's top
economic planners have been involved in discussions on
charting a possible future course of the Kyrgyz economy. I
hope that as a result of their discussions and
recommendations made jointly with the Kyrgyz officials,
the basis of a true partnership between Malaysia and the
Kyrgyz Republic can be made. I am particularly pleased
that His Excellency President Askar Akayev has been
personally associated with this important endeavour right
from the beginning.
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