Anwar: Russia visit not a sign of alignment with any power bloc
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's official visit to Russia should not be misconstrued as aligning with any global power bloc, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has asserted.
He said that strengthening ties with Russia would not come at the expense of Malaysia's longstanding relationships with other key partners, including the United States, China, and other major trading nations.
Anwar reaffirmed that Malaysia would continue to chart its foreign policy independently, guided by national interests and principled diplomacy.
"Alhamdulillah, the Malaysian delegation has returned with valuable experiences from Russia, from enhancing bilateral ties and exploring new areas of cooperation to gaining insights into the country's history, cultural richness, and the resilience of its people.
"My deepest appreciation to our hosts for the exceptional hospitality and friendship extended to us," he said in a Facebook post today.
The prime minister undertook an official visit to Russia from Tuesday until yesterday, during which he held high-level meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.
Discussions between the leaders covered various aspects of bilateral cooperation, including trade, investment, energy, education, aerospace technology, and agri-commodities.
Anwar added that his meeting with Putin opened up opportunities for trade, investment, and tourism, alongside discussions on the resumption of direct Aeroflot flights to Malaysia.
He said Putin also expressed support for cooperation in the halal industry and Islamic finance.
"I value the friendship established with President Putin. I also raised the issue of MH17 with him.
"Malaysia stands firmly on the principle that the truth must prevail in the pursuit of justice for the victims and their families," he said.
During his meeting with Mishustin, Anwar said both parties discussed cooperation in the agricultural sector, including cocoa and palm oil, as well as efforts to resolve issues impeding bilateral trade.
A roundtable session with 24 leading Russian companies also opened up opportunities for collaboration across various sectors, including palm-based products, the chemical and furniture industries, digital technology, and artificial intelligence.
"In a press conference with Malaysian media at the conclusion of the official visit, I emphasised the significant achievements made in strengthening Malaysia-Russia ties, exploring new strategic areas of cooperation, and expanding Malaysia's role as a bridge between the Islamic world and global powers," he said.
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