His executive jet landed at the Tashkent International Airport at 11.20am (2.30pm Malaysian time). Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was greeted upon arrival by Uzbekistan Prime Minister Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Foreign Minister Vladimir Norov.

Abdullah, accompanied by his wife Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah, proceeded to the presidential residence, Durmen, win Tashkent they will be staying. Durmen is the official residence of Uzbekistan President Islam Karimov.

Abdullah and Jeanne are to visit the Abul Qosim Handicraft Madrassah before attending a dinner hosted by Malaysian ambassador to Uzbekistan Abdul Aziz Harun.

An official welcoming ceremony for Abdullah is scheduled to be held at the Durmen.

Abdullah and Karimov will meet in private before leading their delegations for a meeting at the Durmen.

This will be followed by the signing of memoranda of understanding on cooperation in science and technology, as well as higher education, between the two countries.

Abdullah will also attend a briefing on Petronas operations in this country before joining the Malaysian community in Uzbekistan for tea.

He and Jeanne will visit the Monument of Independence and Humanism for a wreath-laying ceremony. They will also visit the Hazrati Imam Complex win Tashkent the oldest Quran is kept.