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Russia Today
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Russia Today
Russia hosts Islamic diplomatic forum
The Russian city of Kazan has hosted a forum of young diplomats from Muslim countries, held alongside a major summit focused on strengthening economic ties between Russia and the Islamic world. The 9th Forum of Young Diplomats of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) brought together 50 participants from around 20 countries, including Bahrain, Indonesia, Iraq, Iran, Türkiye, UAE, Cameroon, Turkmenistan, and others. The forum took place during the 16th international 'Russia–Islamic World: KazanForum' in Kazan, the capital of the predominantly Muslim Tatarstan Republic in central Russia from Tuesday to Sunday. The annual forum is a space where future diplomats can connect, exchange ideas, and strengthen cooperation between Russia and OIC member states. This year's theme, 'Victory Diplomacy', marked 80 years since the Soviet Union defeated Nazi Germany during the Second World War. In the opening remarks, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov highlighted Moscow's longstanding ties with the Islamic world and referred to Russia as a 'civilization-state' – a term that underscores its distinct historical, cultural, and spiritual identity set apart from the West. Panel discussions explored global security, humanitarian cooperation, and the changing role of diplomacy. A session hosted with Russian video platform RuTube focused on how new technology and media influence international relations. Participants from countries including Russia, Cameroon, Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau, the Republic of Guinea, Iran, Oman, and Morocco also joined a friendly football match against a team of former professional players. Big names included former Russian star Aleksandr Mostovoy, iconic goalkeeper Ruslan Nigmatullin, South African midfielder Macbeth Sibaya, and Turkish winger Gokdeniz Karadeniz. The International Association of Young Diplomats also welcomed new members during the forum. Since its launch in 2016, the event has brought together around 300 young diplomats from over 45 OIC countries.
Free Malaysia Today
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Anwar cites Asean cooperation as a model for Islamic nations
Anwar Ibrahim at a press conference after speaking at the Kazan Forum in Russia. With him are ministers Mohamad Sabu, Johari Ghani, and Zambry Abdul Kadir. (Bernama pic) KUALA LUMPUR : Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has called on Islamic nations to strengthen cooperation with their neighbouring countries, taking inspiration from Asean. He said Muslim countries and their regional neighbours must move beyond mere declarations and collaborate on driving digital transformation, energy transition and youth empowerment. He said that Asean, one of the most peaceful regions in the world with a dynamic economy, had embarked on practical measures like the Asean power grid. This spirit of working together between Muslim countries and their neighbouring nations would greatly help to uplift the living standards of the people, he said in a speech at the Kazan Forum in Russia today. Anwar also called for greater youth participation in policy-making to shape the future of the Muslim world. The Kazan Forum is a key platform for economic cooperation between Russia and Islamic countries. Anwar's visit to Kazan, in Tatarstan, marked the end of his four-day official visit to Russia.
Malay Mail
13-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Anwar's Russia visit this week aims to expand economic links, tackle payment challenges
MOSCOW, May 13 — Malaysia and Russia will explore ways to beef up trade and investment linkages while enabling seamless transactions between them to strengthen economic ties and cooperation during Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's visit to Russia, Malaysia's Ambassador to Russia, Datuk Cheong Loon Lai, said Monday. 'The issue of payments was also discussed when the Prime Minister visited Vladivostok (for the Kazan Economic Forum) last year. I think both sides are very much engaged in finding ways (to facilitate seamless transactions and bolster trade relations). 'Interestingly, despite the challenges, trade between the two countries has been on an uptrend. Not only with Malaysia but trade and businesses between Russia with other countries in Asean have also been on the rise, including how Russia and Vietnam have had vibrant business exchanges taking place,' Cheong told a press conference ahead of Anwar's arrival today in the Russian capital for his official visit. While here, the Prime Minister will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin and the country's Prime Minister, Mikhail Mishustin. Anwar will head to Kazan in the Republic of Tatarstan on May 15 to attend the 16th International Economic Forum, entitled 'Russia-Islamic World: KazanForum'. Cheong said Moscow has a lot to offer, especially in terms of technology. 'They are advanced in various technologies, and they have been keen to offer the expertise that they have,' he said, adding that both sides would explore ways to collaborate in these areas. Cheong emphasised that Malaysia's multi-pronged approach in establishing ties with various countries is vital to navigate global uncertainties and build a more resilient trade framework. He also noted that when the late Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi visited Russia in 2007, as the fifth prime minister, Malaysia's stance was something that was welcomed by the Russians, taking into account the global geopolitics then and now. During high-level meetings between Anwar and Putin, the leaders would take stock of bilateral relations and advance cooperation in trade and investments, agriculture and agri-commodities, education, aerospace and energy. The leaders will also exchange views on regional and international developments of mutual importance. According to a statement by Wisma Putra, as chair of Asean in 2025, Malaysia will explore avenues to further deepen cooperation within the framework of Asean-Russia Dialogue Relations. The Prime Minister will also engage industry leaders at a roundtable meeting; deliver a public lecture at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGMO); and meet the Malaysian diaspora in Moscow. In Kazan, the Prime Minister is scheduled to meet the Rais (head) of the Republic of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov, and deliver a special address at the meeting of the Strategic Vision Group 'Russia-Islamic World'. The highlight of the Prime Minister's visit to Kazan is his participation in the XVI International Economic Forum, 'Russia-Islamic World: KazanForum', where he is invited to deliver a keynote address during the plenary session. The KazanForum is the main platform for economic cooperation between Russia and the countries of the Islamic world. During his visit, Anwar will be accompanied by Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Mohamad Sabu, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Chang Li Kang, Minister of Higher Education Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, and Minister of Plantation and Commodities Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani. In 2024, Russia was Malaysia's ninth-largest trading partner among European countries, with total trade reaching RM11.46 billion (US$2.48 billion). Malaysia's key exports to Russia include electrical and electronic products, machinery, equipment and parts, and processed foods. The statement said that imports from Russia primarily comprise petroleum products, minerals and chemical and chemical-based products. — Bernama
