BISHKEK, May 16 – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has described his visit to the Kyrgyz Republic as very important, emphasising Malaysia’s keenness to work with the landlocked country in various areas that could be developed together.
Anwar highlighted key sectors of interest such as the halal ecosystem, trade and investment, education, and tourism, underscoring the need for enhanced transport connectivity between the two nations.
He emphasised the significance of air routes in strengthening cooperation in these fields.
“Thank you for giving us the offer of the Fifth Freedom Rights. Therefore, we will speak to our airlines, should they be able to arrange (flight schedule) at least once a week or twice a week for a start.
“It is tough sometimes to persuade the airlines to start, but from experience, once you start, people will start seeing the beauty (of it),” he said.
Anwar, who is on a two-day official visit to the Kyrgyz Republic, said this during a joint press conference with the country’s President Sadyr Zhaparov after they had a four-eyed meeting at the Ala Archa State Residence on Wednesday.
According to an international English-language newspaper, fifth-freedom flights allow a carrier to fly from its home country to another and offload passengers and freight, before picking up passengers and cargo and proceeding to a third country.
Anwar also expressed Malaysia’s commitment to enhancing bilateral relations with the Kyrgyz Republic, affirming the dedication of relevant Malaysian parties, including government agencies and the private sector.
Regarding halal cooperation, Anwar emphasised its enormous potential, highlighting the participation of Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar and Islamic Development Department (JAKIM) director-general Datuk Hakimah Mohd Yusoff in the Malaysian delegation.
“This (JAKIM) is a very important department which deals with halal, issuing the certification of halal,” he said.
