Moscow ready to welcome arrival of Sultan Ibrahim for state visit to Russia
Malaysian ambassador to Russia Datuk Cheong Loon Lai said Sultan Ibrahim expressed hope that the meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday could open a new chapter in Malaysia-Russia bilateral relations.
"His Majesty also expressed hope that the two leaders can hold productive discussions, especially on matters of mutual interest," he told Bernama here.
Cheong said Sultan Ibrahim also admired the historical and technological values in Russia, and had even established many interactions with the country in the fields of trade and investment since His Majesty's reign as the Sultan of Johor.
"His Majesty also shares the same interests as President Putin, such as horse riding," he said.
This visit at the invitation of President Putin is considered historic and meaningful because it is the first state visit by a Malaysian Head of State to Russia since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1967.
Two locations for the visit in Moscow, namely the Russian Automotive Technology Development Center (NAMI) and the Tochka Kipeniya Technology and Innovation Centre, are also ready to welcome Sultan Ibrahim's arrival.
"His Majesty will visit NAMI to inspect and explore Russian automotive technology, particularly in the field of research and development.
"This visit provides an opportunity for His Majesty to see first-hand the advancement of Russian technology given His Majesty's deep interest in the automotive industry," said Cheong.
The visit to Tochka Kipeniya, he said, also provides an opportunity for Malaysia to explore innovative Russian solutions in the field of drone and robotics development through artificial intelligence applications for public use, security, defence, environment, space projects and biodrones.
Earlier, Cheong attended a briefing session on the national celebration event at the Kremlin, the location of Sultan Ibrahim's official meeting with President Putin.
Also present at the session were Foreign Minister head of protocol Datuk Yubazlan Yusof, chief of government ceremonies, Prime Minister's Department, Datuk Rozainor Ramli and the Grand Chamberlain of Istana Negara Datuk Azuan Effendy Zairakithnaini.
Sultan Ibrahim departed from the Royal Malaysian Air Force base in Subang at 8.55am (Malaysian time) and is scheduled to arrive here on Tuesday.
After Moscow, His Majesty is scheduled to travel to Kazan from Aug 8 to 10.
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