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Daily Express
18-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Stronger Malaysia-Russia ties not at others' expense
Published on: Sunday, May 18, 2025 Published on: Sun, May 18, 2025 Text Size: Anwar speaks at a press conference after the Plenary Session of the XVI International Economic Forum 'Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum 2025' at Kazan Expo, recently. KAZAN: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Saturday 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). Advertisement '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. Advertisement 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. Touching on the sanctions faced by Russia, Anwar reiterated Malaysia's position that only sanctions endorsed by multilateral institutions like the United Nations (UN) carry weight in its foreign policy considerations. 'If a sanction is imposed by a multilateral agency like the UN, of course, we respect that. But if it is a unilateral action by any individual country, that is difficult for us as an independent country to just honour,' he said. He acknowledged that payment-related issues were raised by Malaysian businesses operating in Russia, but said both governments are working to find solutions. 'There are many areas that are not under sanction, such as education. We are moving forward in those sectors,' he said. During his visit, Anwar focused on boosting economic cooperation, especially in the halal industry and Islamic finance. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
New Straits Times
16-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Anwar's final day in Russia focuses on Islamic, tech and trade ties
KAZAN: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is set to deliver a keynote address at the Strategic Vision Group (SVG) Russia–Islamic World dialogue, on the final day of his official visit to Russia. The dialogue will be held at the Kazan Hi-Technology Park, a regional innovation hub that houses tech start-ups, research institutions and companies focused on digital transformation, smart manufacturing and halal innovation. The SVG, established in 2006, is a Russia-led initiative aimed at strengthening dialogue with members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. It gathers political leaders, scholars, technocrats and religious figures to discuss peacebuilding, education, technology and joint development strategies. Following the dialogue, the prime minister will tour the park's key facilities, in a move underscoring Malaysia's interest in developing new partnerships in technology, Islamic finance and halal economy solutions. The park is central to Russia's ambition to position Tatarstan as a tech and halal economy leader within the Islamic world. Anwar is also scheduled to perform Friday prayers at the historic Mardzhani Mosque, one of Kazan's oldest Islamic landmarks. The mosque, built in the 18th century, stands as a symbol of religious coexistence in Tatarstan, where Tatars and Russians form a model of multiethnic harmony. At midday, Anwar will attend a working lunch hosted by Tatarstan Prime Minister Aleksei Pesoshin at the Tatarskaya Usadba, a traditional Tatar venue in the heart of Kazan. Talks are expected to centre on tourism, agriculture and bilateral education initiatives. The prime minister will then head to Kazan Expo, where he is expected to hold an exclusive interview with TV BRICS, an international media network that promotes news and cultural exchange among BRICS countries and partner nations. This will be followed by his keynote address at the plenary session of the 16th International Economic Forum "Russia–Islamic World: KazanForum 2025." Malaysia's participation in the forum is aimed at expanding trade, investment and halal supply chain linkages between Russian and Muslim-majority nations. Before concluding his trip, Anwar will hold an exit press conference at Kazan Expo to share key takeaways from the visit. The prime minister is scheduled to depart for Kuala Lumpur from Kazan International Airport at 6pm local time, marking the end of his four-day official visit which has included high-level engagements in both Moscow and Kazan.
New Straits Times
15-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Anwar to wrap up Moscow leg, heads to Kazan for strategic talks
KAZAN: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim begins the third day of his official visit to Russia with a prestigious public lecture at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO). Anwar is also scheduled to receive an honorary doctorate from MGIMO, Russia's premier diplomatic academy, in recognition of his leadership and contributions to international engagement. The event marks the final stop of his Moscow leg before departing for the Republic of Tatarstan. From the Russian capital, Anwar will fly to Kazan, the capital of the Muslim-majority region, for a full day of high-level meetings and halal economy diplomacy. He is scheduled to meet the Rais (head) of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov, at the historic Kazan Kremlin, where discussions are expected to focus on expanding cooperation in halal certification, agrotechnology, Islamic finance and education, among others. The prime minister is accompanied by five senior ministers, including Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani. Anwar is also expected to tour the Kazan Kremlin complex, a Unesco World Heritage Site, before visiting two major exhibitions at Kazan Expo, the Technology Exhibition and the Russia Halal Expo 2025. Both exhibitions are seen as strategic platforms for Malaysia to explore new partnerships in halal trade, digital innovation and resilient supply chains. The day will conclude with a gala reception in conjunction with KazanForum 2025, where Anwar is set to deliver a keynote address during the plenary session the following day. The Kazan leg of the visit underscores Malaysia's growing commitment to Islamic economic diplomacy, while reinforcing Anwar's broader foreign policy emphasis on multipolar cooperation and South-South engagement. Anwar is on a four-day official visit to Russia, which runs until May 16.
