
Putin backs high-speed rail projects for Russia's growing economy
In a video address marking Railway Workers' Day, Putin underscored their role in strengthening Russia's position as a key Eurasian logistics hub.
'I am confident that these projects matter for our people and our expanding economy. They will reinforce Russia's standing as a major logistics hub for the entire Eurasian continent by creating new opportunities for competitive international routes, including the Trans-Arctic Transport Corridor,' Putin said.
High-speed railways, designed for trains travelling 200–400 km/h, are new to Russia.
The first project, connecting Moscow and St. Petersburg, is set for completion in 2028, reducing travel time to just 2 hours and 15 minutes.
This line is the first of five approved high-speed rail projects.
Subsequent routes will link Moscow to Yekaterinburg, Adler, Minsk, and Ryazan, enhancing domestic and international connectivity. - Bernama-Sputnik/RIA Novosti
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New Straits Times
5 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Sultan Ibrahim arrives in Russia for maiden state visit
MOSCOW: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, arrived here today for a six-day state visit to Russia. The special aircraft carrying His Majesty touched down at the Vnukovo2 International Airport at 2.20pm local time (7.20pm Malaysia). Sultan Ibrahim was received upon arrival by Russian Science and Higher Education Minister Valery Falkov and Russian Foreign Ministry State Protocol Department acting director Georgiy Kuznetsov. Present to welcome His Majesty at the airport were Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Pankin and Russian ambassador to Malaysia Nayl Latypov. Also present were Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, as the minister-in-attendance, Foreign Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Amran Mohamed Zin and Malaysian ambassador to Russia Datuk Cheong Loon Lai. The national anthems of both nations were played and His Majesty then walked past a guard of honour, accompanied by Falkov and Kuznetsov, before being greeted by dignitaries from both Malaysia and Russia. After observing the ceremonial march-out of the guard of honour, which signified the conclusion of the ceremony, Sultan Ibrahim departed for his hotel in Moscow. At the hotel, His Majesty was greeted by the home-based staff of the Malaysian embassy and their family members as well as 30 Malaysian students. During the visit, Sultan Ibrahim will be accorded a state welcome ceremony at the Kremlin before holding an official meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and attending a state banquet hosted by the president. His Majesty will also visit the Central Scientific Research Automobile and Automotive Engines Institute (NAMI) as well as the Tochka Kipeniya Technology and Innovation Hub. After concluding his programme in Moscow, His Majesty will travel to Kazan in the Republic of Tatarstan for the second segment of the state visit. Sultan Ibrahim, who ascended the federal throne on Jan 31, 2024, is making his maiden state visit to Russia at the invitation of Putin. This visit has been described as historic as it is the first state visit by a Malaysian Head of State to Russia since diplomatic relations were established in 1967. This is the fourth state visit conducted by Sultan Ibrahim after Singapore, China and Brunei.


The Star
5 hours ago
- The Star
Anwar calls for deeper appreciation of Asian history, free from colonial narratives
Anwar at the launch of the 'More Than A Day As A Tiger' exhibition at the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia. – Bernama --fotoBERNAMA (2025) COPYRIGHT RESERVED KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for a deeper appreciation of Asian history that moves beyond colonial narratives, citing Tipu Sultan of Mysore, an Indian ruler who fought against the British East India Company as a model of courage, learning and tolerance. He said that the contributions of Tipu Sultan and his father Haider Ali, as defenders against British colonial expansion, exemplified the importance of understanding history from the perspective of local and regional leaders rather than solely from Western accounts. "History is not necessarily very kind, one of our scholars Syed Hussein Alatas emphasised the need to reconstruct history because history cannot be written only by the winners or from the perspective of the colonial rulers," he said during the launch of the "More Than A Day As A Tiger" exhibition at the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia, here on Tuesday (Aug 5) night. Also present were the Prime Minister's wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail; Albukhary Foundation chairman Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar Al-Bukhary; Bernama chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai and his spouse, as well as representatives from embassies and consulates. Anwar noted that Malaysian history, like that of many others, is often written from the perspective of the British, essentially reflecting Western colonial rule. "Of course, there have been lots of academic accounts, including by Edward Said on Orientalism, but the manner, the whole discipline of history, culture and society is being dictated by certain Western viewpoints," he said. Anwar also shared his personal experience visiting Mysore before taking office, recalling his admiration for Tipu Sultan's modest palace and his protection of Hindu temples, including the ancient temple there. He also praised Tipu Sultan's foresight in mastering military technology to confront colonial powers, citing the Mysore Sultanate's renowned cannons and firearms that had shocked the British in the early wars. "It is not just an ordinary exhibition, but to showcase the history of India and the Muslim world, and the history of the anti-colonial struggle against colonial rule, in this particular case, the British rule. "His diplomatic skills with the few sultanates, Muslims and Hindus in India and his venture into international diplomacy, particularly in persuading the French forces to support his struggle against the British," he said. Anwar noted that while Malaysians have historically had limited knowledge of Tipu Sultan and Haider Ali's legacy, the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia's exhibition would significantly enhance understanding about the two historical figures. Featuring an extensive collection of artefacts, manuscripts, weaponry and artworks related to Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan, the exhibition will run from tomorrow until Jan 11, 2026, at Special Gallery 2. – Bernama


The Star
5 hours ago
- The Star
PM Anwar's four wins as Asean Chair, according to veteran Thai journalist
BANGKOK: (Bernama) Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's (pic) success in mediating a ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand, which resulted in an immediate halt to armed clashes along their disputed border, was hailed as a major diplomatic victory. The courageous and decisive move by the Malaysian premier has not only strengthened his position as a political leader and effective Asean Chair, but also elevated the regional bloc's profile on the global stage. Veteran Thai journalist and regional affairs commentator Kavi Chongkittavorn said when tensions escalated into artillery exchanges between the two neighbouring countries last month, Anwar seized the moment in his capacity as Asean Chair and emerged as a statesman on the regional stage. In an article titled "Four Wins For Asean Chair Anwar" published on Thai PBS World, Kavi said the Malaysian Prime Minister scored four wins with his decisive step to help de-escalate the ongoing tension between the two neighbours. The first win he noted was that Anwar, leveraging his position as Asean Chair, stepped up to act as a mediator, projecting himself as Southeast Asia's peacemaker. He attributed the second win to Anwar's ability to turn the crisis into an opportunity to boost Asean's centrality and relevance. "Major powers often ridicule Asean as a talk shop without action. The ceasefire deal - which still holds - changed that narrative. "Anwar used his chairmanship to show Asean could broker peace when it mattered. "He didn't just convene meetings; he actively facilitated the entire process. "The message is clear: Asean is performing a somersault. It just needs decisive leadership,' Kavi said. Veteran Thai journalist and regional affairs commentator Kavi Chongkittavorn. He said the Malaysian premier's third win was succeeding to not only break the deadlock of the armed clashes, but also to convince Thai acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet to come to Kuala Lumpur for an unprecedented face-to-face direct dialogue. For the record, previous confrontations from 2008 to 2011 saw Thailand completely decline Asean's invitation for mediation talks. The fourth win was balancing the two major powers and important players for Asean - the United States (US) and China, and most remarkably, engaging them to witness the ceasefire talks. "These superpowers rarely collaborate on anything these days. Yet both sent envoys to support the Asean chair's initiative. "Both powers were present, but neither dominated - exactly what Asean wanted,' he said. Anwar's balancing act was particularly impressive, given his recent regular vitriol against Washington. He has been vocal about Gaza (more so than Indonesia), criticising both Israeli and US policies. Kavi said this extraordinary achievement shows what Asean can achieve with active, credible leadership. "After all, Anwar is an old and astute Asean hand. Truth be told, Anwar understood this perfectly. "He saw that regional dynamics and global shifts had created an opening. He seized it with both hands,' he wrote. For Asean, Kavi said the crisis reminds us that actions speak louder than words, and louder than all the annual joint communiqués. "For Anwar, it is proof that skilled diplomacy can transform political fortunes. For the region, it is hoped that Asean-led solutions can still work in Trump's world,' he added. Kavi's full article can be read at . - Bernama