Putin hails strengthening Russia-Malaysia ties during Anwar's visit
KUALA LUMPUR: Russian President Vladimir Putin said that relations between Russia and Malaysia are strengthening, reaffirming both countries' commitment to deepening meaningful and productive cooperation.
He said Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's four-day official visit, from May 13 to 16, clearly demonstrated that bilateral ties were developing successfully, with both sides expressing strong interest in enhancing the substance and transparency of their cooperation.
During their meeting, Putin said he and Anwar discussed a range of bilateral issues, as well as pressing matters on the international agenda.
Both leaders, he added, identified specific plans to strengthen Russian-Malaysian cooperation.
"Russia and Malaysia have a long tradition of friendship and mutual understanding. We have always strived to work in partnership, building on the principles of mutual respect," he said during a joint press conference with Anwar in Moscow, last night.
He added that both countries have all the necessary foundations to further enhance this partnership.
Elaborating on his discussion with Prime Minister Anwar, Putin said that, given Malaysia's current chairmanship of Asean, the talks touched on prospects for further developing substantive dialogue between Asean and Russia.
"We spoke in detail about issues concerning the peaceful and sustainable development of the Asia-Pacific region," the president said.
In the cultural and humanitarian sphere, Putin said both countries regularly hold film festivals, photo exhibitions, and musical concerts.
Meanwhile, Putin said around 700 Malaysian citizens are currently studying in Russia under the Russian government's university quota programme involving both countries.
Russia and Malaysia have more than 80 agreements on scientific, educational, and academic exchange. Diplomas from Russian universities are recognised by Malaysian employers without any additional accreditation, he said.
On BRICS, Putin said that under Russia's presidency, a new "country partner" category was established, and Malaysia was one of the nations invited to participate in BRICS activities in this capacity.
"We are glad that our Malaysian friends have accepted this invitation, and we will do everything in our power to ensure Malaysia joins the work of all BRICS partner mechanisms swiftly," he added.
Earlier on Wednesday, Anwar was accorded an official welcome at the Kremlin, the official residence of President Putin, underscoring a pivotal moment in strengthening diplomatic ties between Malaysia and Russia.
Anwar's official visit to Russia began on May 13 and is scheduled to last until May 16.
In 2024, Russia was Malaysia's ninth-largest trading partner among European countries, with total trade reaching RM11.46 billion (US$2.48 billion).– BERNAMA
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