Azerbaijan–Malaysia relations

Azerbaijan-Malaysia relations
Map indicating locations of Azerbaijan and Malaysia

Azerbaijan

Malaysia
Diplomatic mission
Embassy of Azerbaijan, Kuala LumpurEmbassy of Malaysia, Baku

Azerbaijan–Malaysia relations are the bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Malaysia. Azerbaijan has an embassy in Kuala Lumpur,[1] while Malaysia has an embassy in Baku.[2] Both countries are members of the Group of 77 and Non-Aligned Movement.

History

Malaysia recognized the independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan on 31 December 1991, shortly after Azerbaijan declared its independence from the Soviet Union. The formal establishment of full diplomatic relations between the two countries occurred on 5 April 1993.[3]

Since establishing diplomatic relations, Malaysia and Azerbaijan have engaged in various activities to strengthen their ties. Both countries have exchanged high-level visits and collaborated on international and regional issues. Azerbaijan opened its embassy in Kuala Lumpur in June 2007, while Malaysia established its embassy in Baku on 1 April 2014.[4]

Cultural relations

Both countries have organized cultural events and student exchange programs to promote mutual understanding. Cooperation in higher education, such as joint training and research, has been encouraged.[4]

Economic relations

Economic ties between Malaysia and Azerbaijan have shown significant potential. In 2011, bilateral trade amounted to approximately US$2.5 billion, with Malaysia being a notable investor in Azerbaijan. Malaysian exports to Azerbaijan include petrochemical products, palm oil, and electronics, while Azerbaijan exports crude oil and food products to Malaysia (Azeri Observer). The diversification of Azerbaijan’s economy, especially in non-oil sectors like tourism, ICT, and renewable energy, presents opportunities for further collaboration. Malaysian businesses are particularly interested in these sectors and are encouraged to invest in Azerbaijan’s dynamic economic landscape.[4] In 2012, the total export from Malaysia to Azerbaijan stood at US$14.15 million, with fuel and chemical components being the largest contributors at US$4.1 million and palm oil at US$3.3 million.[5] In the same year, around 290 Malaysians travelled to Azerbaijan for business and work, especially in the petrochemical sector, while there were some 50 Azerbaijani citizens in Malaysia who were mostly students and also in the business sector.[5] The Malaysian cargo airlines also has chosen Azerbaijan as its main transit hub.[6]

Imports and exports

Imports of Azerbaijan
Year Amount
Thousands of USD
2020[7] 68 843,26
2021[8] 76 539,56 Increase
2022[9] 54 537,88 Decrease
Exports of Azerbaijan
Year Amount
Thousands of USD
2020[7] 60 658,28
2021[8] 512,74 Decrease
2022[9] 38 889,16 Increase

See also

References

  1. ^ "Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur". Azerbaijan Embassy in Malaysia. Retrieved 4 January 2014.
  2. ^ "Malaysia (Embassy of Malaysia)" (PDF). Republic of Azerbaijan Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 4 January 2014.
  3. ^ "Azerbaijan - Malaysia Relations (Recognition of Independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Establishment of Diplomatic Relations)". Azerbaijan Embassy in Malaysia. Archived from the original on 25 July 2013. Retrieved 4 January 2014.
  4. ^ a b c "Political relations good, but high time to strengthen economic ties - Azerbaijan ambassador". Sinar Daily. 19 April 2023. Retrieved 11 August 2025.
  5. ^ a b "Azerbaijan regards Malaysia as 'Tiger of Southeast Asia'". The Borneo Post. 10 May 2013. Retrieved 4 January 2014.
  6. ^ "Malaysian cargo airline chooses Azerbaijan as its main transit hub". Azer News. 4 December 2012. Retrieved 4 January 2014.
  7. ^ a b "International trade statistics 2020 year" (PDF). Customs Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan Official website (in Azerbaijani).
  8. ^ a b "International trade statistics 2021 year" (PDF). Customs Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan Official website (in Azerbaijani).
  9. ^ a b "International trade statistics 2022 year" (PDF). Customs Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan Official website (in Azerbaijani).