Stronger Malaysia-Russia Ties Not At Expense Of Others, Says PM Anwar
BUSINESS
From Sharifah Hunaini Syed Ismail
KAZAN (Tatarstan) May 17 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said today that Malaysia's growing ties with Russia should not be seen as a zero-sum game, stressing that as an open trading nation, it is vital for the country to expand partnerships broadly to protect its economic interests.
He stressed that strengthening relations with one country does not mean weakening ties with others, including the United States (US).
'It should not be seen as a matter of a zero-sum game. It should be complementary,' Anwar told reporters at the exit press conference at the end of his four-day official visit to Russia, when asked if close ties with Moscow would affect Malaysia's relations with other countries.
His official visit here included meetings with President Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and several industry leaders in Moscow and Kazan.
In fact, as an open trading nation, Malaysia remains committed to expanding trade partnerships broadly and independently, as part of efforts to protect and promote national economic interests, said Anwar, who is also Finance Minister.
'Malaysia is a trading country. To protect our interests, we have to broaden and expand our market and trading partnerships,' he said.
Malaysia continues to welcome American investments, citing recent discussions between Malaysian agencies and US counterparts.
'In fact, just last week, AMD (Advanced Micro Devices Inc) was there. There have been serious discussions to expand activities, and we certainly welcome that,' said the prime minister.
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