Latest news with #MGIMO
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
Putin has eyes set on another country after Ukraine war, ex-CIA boss warns
Former top spy David Petraeus has warned Vladimir Putin will want to move in on another European country after installing a pro-Kremlin puppet to carry out his bidding in Ukraine A former CIA chief has warned that Vladimir Putin will extend his bloody campaign further inside Europe if he was allowed to claim victory in Ukraine - having set his sights on one key nation. David Petraeus, who chaired the agency between 2011 and 2012 during the Obama administration, has warned the Russian despot would march west into Europe's Baltic states. Putin is reportedly set to launch a devastating summer offensive on Ukraine in the coming weeks, having recently stepped up both drone and missile attacks in a bid to sap the country's morale. Now, Mr Petraeus said, he is looking to claim the entire country for himself before moving on to a nation that has featured frequently in his speeches. Speaking at the Policy Exchange think-tank in London this week, Mr Petraeus said Russia seeks to remove Zelensky and replace him with a pro-Russian puppet. He said the Kremlin wants to "install a puppet leader and to control all of Ukraine". He went on to add that, once this objective is accomplished, Putin would move on to "one of the Baltic states". He added: "Once that's done, you are going to see them focus on one of the Baltic states." Mr Petraeus specifically warned that Russian neighbour Lithuania would be next on the list, saying: "Lithuania has featured prominently in his speeches and we should have listened a lot more." Long before the war in Ukraine began in 2022, Putin had frequently insisted the country was a part of Russia, and that Ukrainians and Russians were "one people". In 2020 he said: "Kyiv is the mother of Russian cities. Ancient Rus' is our common source and we cannot live without each other.' Kremlin-backed organisations have made similar claims about Lithuania. Russian top foreign-policy institute MGIMO published a 400-page history of the country claiming it was established solely as a proxy for Polish terrorism. The book, which comes with a written foreward by Putin's foreign minister Sergei Lavrov, adds that the country's exit from the crumbling USSR in 1991 was fraudulent and undemocratic. Lithuanian officials are aware of Russia's open hostility to the country, having last month unveiled an evacuation plan for its capital, Vilnius, in the event of an invasion. The national government has also invested in updating its border defences, especially at a critical border choke point known as the Suwałki Gap. The point has long been seen as one of the likeliest staging areas for a Russian attack on Lithuania, with Lithuanian Deputy Defense Minister Tomas Godliauskas telling POLITICO the fortifications are "critical to us from a security and defense perspective". Mr Godliauskas added: "They've always been part of our civil-military planning as key ground routes for allied support during a crisis."
The Sun
17-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Anwar-Putin camaraderie seen as strategic, mutually rewarding in a polarised global landscape
KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's just-ended official visit to Russia, with the highlight being the obviously cordial welcome accorded by President Vladimir Putin to the Prime Minister, certainly sends a powerful message and shows commitment at the highest levels to strengthen bilateral ties between Malaysia and Russia. The personal chemistry between Anwar and one of the world's most powerful leaders was obvious from the start of the visit as they took a deliberate step towards cultivating a meaningful partnership between themselves and between their countries. The camaraderie was strategic and mutually rewarding, for in an increasingly polarised global landscape – no thanks to some superpowers resorting to unilateral actions and protectionism – this was undoubtedly a timely reaffirmation of diplomatic friendship and cooperation that will go far in cementing Malaysia-Russia linkages. At the Kremlin – the working residence of the Russian President -- Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, was accorded a grand and official welcome with the event covered widely in Russia by more than 80 media representatives from various agencies. Despite coming from a relatively smaller country, the Malaysian delegation was treated with the utmost respect and honour by Putin, which Anwar readily pointed out during a lecture at the renowned Moscow State Institute of International Relations University (MGIMO). He was bestowed an honorary doctorate from MGIMO in recognition of his contributions to global peace and international cooperation. Mutual respect between nations 'is what is needed to be promoted in the world,' Anwar said. He stressed that Putrajaya does not believe in unilateral decisions and display of power and arrogance. 'We need to showcase that every community, every country, whether small, rich or poor, must be given the respect and recognition.' In return, Putin said Malaysia is Russia's long-standing and reliable partner both in general and in Southeast Asia, acknowledging the bilateral ties established since 1967. As the Chair of ASEAN, Anwar officially invited Putin to the regional grouping's summit with dialogue partners in Kuala Lumpur in October 2025. In a surprise move, the President took the opportunity when meeting Anwar to extend an invitation to His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia, to visit Russia. 'I have a big favour to ask. Please convey my best wishes to the head of state, Sultan Ibrahim,' Putin told the Prime Minister, the Russian News Agency (TASS) reported. Both leaders called for and committed to enhanced cooperation not only in trade and investment but also in culture, language as well as people-to-people connectivity. It is noteworthy that there are about 400 Russian students in Malaysia and 700 Malaysian students in Russia. Even more interesting and an honour to Malaysia was that MGIMO offers Bahasa Malaysia as a subject in the university. The Russian language is also offered at Universiti Malaya. During his visit to both Moscow and Kazan, Anwar also took the opportunity to attend roundtable discussions with 24 major companies in Russia and two business councils represented by industry leaders to discuss strategic cooperation in increasing bilateral trade between Malaysia and Russia. In Moscow, industry leaders in Russia expressed their desire to explore new collaborations in various fields including food manufacturing, agriculture and technology. Among the companies involved were Oil Partners, Sportmaster and Russian Direct Investment Fund. In one of their engagements, Putin said he saw prospects for joint ventures between Russia and Malaysia in the fields of natural gas and nuclear energy. Malaysia's oil and gas company, Petronas, already has a presence in Russia with equity capital in Rosneft and is developing ties with Gazprom, he said. Rosneft is Russia's integrated energy company headquartered in Moscow, while Gazprom is a Russian majority state-owned multinational energy corporation headquartered in the Lakhta Centre in Saint Petersburg. Anwar also met with his Russian counterpart, Mikhail Mishustin, for another bilateral discussion. He also received a courtesy call from the Grand Mufti of the Russian Federation, Sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin, who is also the chairman of the Russian Religious Board of Muslims. In Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan and one of the wealthiest federal entities in Russia, Anwar and his delegation visited the Kazan Expo, which focused on technology, and the Russian Halal Expo. They also attended a gala reception on the occasion of the 16th International Economic Forum 'Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum 2025'. The Prime Minister said Tatarstan has enormous potential and that Malaysia is ready to discuss trade and economic issues with it, such as Islamic banking and the halal industry in Kazan. As of 2022, the population of Tatarstan stood at 3.9 million people, comprising more than 70 ethnic groups, with more than 50 per cent of the population being Muslim. Tatarstan is home to more than 150 halal product manufacturers, with around 20 companies focusing on exports. Its major exports are refined petroleum (US$4.28 billion) (US$1=RM4.28), crude petroleum (US$3.84 billion), synthetic rubber (US$1.06 billion) and nitrogen fertilisers (US$202 million). In his address at the Strategic Vision Group Meeting: Russia-Islamic World (KazanForum 2025), themed 'Experience of Russia and the Islamic World in Youth Policy: Common Challenges and Joint Actions', Anwar emphasised the vital importance and crucial role of multilateral cooperation in addressing the evolving challenges faced by youth, especially within the Islamic world. As for his keynote address at the International Economic Forum 'Russia-Islamic World: KazanForum 2025', Anwar called on the Islamic world to work together and strengthen its fundamentals, which begin with the economy. This is why embracing the halal industry is critical, he said, noting that the market is worth US$3 trillion. 'From the Gulf countries, the Middle East, to Africa, to Asia, we should then formalise and strengthen this cohesion,' he added. On Islamic finance, Anwar said it is not just a matter of adopting the 'riba'-free approach, but also to enter into new innovations, hence offering an alternative that is economically viable for the Muslim world and also the participation of non-Muslims. The Malaysia delegation included Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, and Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani. As of 2024, Russia is Malaysia's ninth-largest trading partner among European countries, with total trade valued at RM11.46 billion (US$2.48 billion). Anwar's four-day visit to Russia ends today.
The Sun
17-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Anwar-Putin camaraderie seen as strategic
KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's just-ended official visit to Russia, with the highlight being the obviously cordial welcome accorded by President Vladimir Putin to the Prime Minister, certainly sends a powerful message and shows commitment at the highest levels to strengthen bilateral ties between Malaysia and Russia. The personal chemistry between Anwar and one of the world's most powerful leaders was obvious from the start of the visit as they took a deliberate step towards cultivating a meaningful partnership between themselves and between their countries. The camaraderie was strategic and mutually rewarding, for in an increasingly polarised global landscape – no thanks to some superpowers resorting to unilateral actions and protectionism – this was undoubtedly a timely reaffirmation of diplomatic friendship and cooperation that will go far in cementing Malaysia-Russia linkages. At the Kremlin – the working residence of the Russian President -- Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, was accorded a grand and official welcome with the event covered widely in Russia by more than 80 media representatives from various agencies. Despite coming from a relatively smaller country, the Malaysian delegation was treated with the utmost respect and honour by Putin, which Anwar readily pointed out during a lecture at the renowned Moscow State Institute of International Relations University (MGIMO). He was bestowed an honorary doctorate from MGIMO in recognition of his contributions to global peace and international cooperation. Mutual respect between nations 'is what is needed to be promoted in the world,' Anwar said. He stressed that Putrajaya does not believe in unilateral decisions and display of power and arrogance. 'We need to showcase that every community, every country, whether small, rich or poor, must be given the respect and recognition.' In return, Putin said Malaysia is Russia's long-standing and reliable partner both in general and in Southeast Asia, acknowledging the bilateral ties established since 1967. As the Chair of ASEAN, Anwar officially invited Putin to the regional grouping's summit with dialogue partners in Kuala Lumpur in October 2025. In a surprise move, the President took the opportunity when meeting Anwar to extend an invitation to His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia, to visit Russia. 'I have a big favour to ask. Please convey my best wishes to the head of state, Sultan Ibrahim,' Putin told the Prime Minister, the Russian News Agency (TASS) reported. Both leaders called for and committed to enhanced cooperation not only in trade and investment but also in culture, language as well as people-to-people connectivity. It is noteworthy that there are about 400 Russian students in Malaysia and 700 Malaysian students in Russia. Even more interesting and an honour to Malaysia was that MGIMO offers Bahasa Malaysia as a subject in the university. The Russian language is also offered at Universiti Malaya. During his visit to both Moscow and Kazan, Anwar also took the opportunity to attend roundtable discussions with 24 major companies in Russia and two business councils represented by industry leaders to discuss strategic cooperation in increasing bilateral trade between Malaysia and Russia. In Moscow, industry leaders in Russia expressed their desire to explore new collaborations in various fields including food manufacturing, agriculture and technology. Among the companies involved were Oil Partners, Sportmaster and Russian Direct Investment Fund. In one of their engagements, Putin said he saw prospects for joint ventures between Russia and Malaysia in the fields of natural gas and nuclear energy. Malaysia's oil and gas company, Petronas, already has a presence in Russia with equity capital in Rosneft and is developing ties with Gazprom, he said. Rosneft is Russia's integrated energy company headquartered in Moscow, while Gazprom is a Russian majority state-owned multinational energy corporation headquartered in the Lakhta Centre in Saint Petersburg. Anwar also met with his Russian counterpart, Mikhail Mishustin, for another bilateral discussion. He also received a courtesy call from the Grand Mufti of the Russian Federation, Sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin, who is also the chairman of the Russian Religious Board of Muslims. In Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan and one of the wealthiest federal entities in Russia, Anwar and his delegation visited the Kazan Expo, which focused on technology, and the Russian Halal Expo. They also attended a gala reception on the occasion of the 16th International Economic Forum 'Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum 2025'. The Prime Minister said Tatarstan has enormous potential and that Malaysia is ready to discuss trade and economic issues with it, such as Islamic banking and the halal industry in Kazan. As of 2022, the population of Tatarstan stood at 3.9 million people, comprising more than 70 ethnic groups, with more than 50 per cent of the population being Muslim. Tatarstan is home to more than 150 halal product manufacturers, with around 20 companies focusing on exports. Its major exports are refined petroleum (US$4.28 billion) (US$1=RM4.28), crude petroleum (US$3.84 billion), synthetic rubber (US$1.06 billion) and nitrogen fertilisers (US$202 million). In his address at the Strategic Vision Group Meeting: Russia-Islamic World (KazanForum 2025), themed 'Experience of Russia and the Islamic World in Youth Policy: Common Challenges and Joint Actions', Anwar emphasised the vital importance and crucial role of multilateral cooperation in addressing the evolving challenges faced by youth, especially within the Islamic world. As for his keynote address at the International Economic Forum 'Russia-Islamic World: KazanForum 2025', Anwar called on the Islamic world to work together and strengthen its fundamentals, which begin with the economy. This is why embracing the halal industry is critical, he said, noting that the market is worth US$3 trillion. 'From the Gulf countries, the Middle East, to Africa, to Asia, we should then formalise and strengthen this cohesion,' he added. On Islamic finance, Anwar said it is not just a matter of adopting the 'riba'-free approach, but also to enter into new innovations, hence offering an alternative that is economically viable for the Muslim world and also the participation of non-Muslims. The Malaysia delegation included Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, and Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani. As of 2024, Russia is Malaysia's ninth-largest trading partner among European countries, with total trade valued at RM11.46 billion (US$2.48 billion). Anwar's four-day visit to Russia ends today.
Barnama
17-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Anwar-Putin Camaraderie Seen As Strategic, Mutually Rewarding In A Polarised Global Landscape
The personal chemistry between Anwar and one of the world's most powerful leaders was obvious from the start of the visit as they took a deliberate step towards cultivating a meaningful partnership between themselves and between their countries. KUALA LUMPUR, May 17 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's just-ended official visit to Russia, with the highlight being the obviously cordial welcome accorded by President Vladimir Putin to the Prime Minister, certainly sends a powerful message and shows commitment at the highest levels to strengthen bilateral ties between Malaysia and Russia. Despite coming from a relatively smaller country, the Malaysian delegation was treated with the utmost respect and honour by Putin, which Anwar readily pointed out during a lecture at the renowned Moscow State Institute of International Relations University (MGIMO). At the Kremlin – the working residence of the Russian President -- Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, was accorded a grand and official welcome with the event covered widely in Russia by more than 80 media representatives from various agencies. The camaraderie was strategic and mutually rewarding, for in an increasingly polarised global landscape – no thanks to some superpowers resorting to unilateral actions and protectionism – this was undoubtedly a timely reaffirmation of diplomatic friendship and cooperation that will go far in cementing Malaysia-Russia linkages. He stressed that Putrajaya does not believe in unilateral decisions and display of power and arrogance. 'We need to showcase that every community, every country, whether small, rich or poor, must be given the respect and recognition.' Mutual respect between nations 'is what is needed to be promoted in the world,' Anwar said. He was bestowed an honorary doctorate from MGIMO in recognition of his contributions to global peace and international cooperation. In return, Putin said Malaysia is Russia's long-standing and reliable partner both in general and in Southeast Asia, acknowledging the bilateral ties established since 1967. As the Chair of ASEAN, Anwar officially invited Putin to the regional grouping's summit with dialogue partners in Kuala Lumpur in October 2025. In a surprise move, the President took the opportunity when meeting Anwar to extend an invitation to His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia, to visit Russia. 'I have a big favour to ask. Please convey my best wishes to the head of state, Sultan Ibrahim,' Putin told the Prime Minister, the Russian News Agency (TASS) reported. Both leaders called for and committed to enhanced cooperation not only in trade and investment but also in culture, language as well as people-to-people connectivity. It is noteworthy that there are about 400 Russian students in Malaysia and 700 Malaysian students in Russia. Even more interesting and an honour to Malaysia was that MGIMO offers Bahasa Malaysia as a subject in the university. The Russian language is also offered at Universiti Malaya. During his visit to both Moscow and Kazan, Anwar also took the opportunity to attend roundtable discussions with 24 major companies in Russia and two business councils represented by industry leaders to discuss strategic cooperation in increasing bilateral trade between Malaysia and Russia. In Moscow, industry leaders in Russia expressed their desire to explore new collaborations in various fields including food manufacturing, agriculture and technology. Among the companies involved were Oil Partners, Sportmaster and Russian Direct Investment Fund. In one of their engagements, Putin said he saw prospects for joint ventures between Russia and Malaysia in the fields of natural gas and nuclear energy. Malaysia's oil and gas company, Petronas, already has a presence in Russia with equity capital in Rosneft and is developing ties with Gazprom, he said. Rosneft is Russia's integrated energy company headquartered in Moscow, while Gazprom is a Russian majority state-owned multinational energy corporation headquartered in the Lakhta Centre in Saint Petersburg. Anwar also met with his Russian counterpart, Mikhail Mishustin, for another bilateral discussion. He also received a courtesy call from the Grand Mufti of the Russian Federation, Sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin, who is also the chairman of the Russian Religious Board of Muslims. In Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan and one of the wealthiest federal entities in Russia, Anwar and his delegation visited the Kazan Expo, which focused on technology, and the Russian Halal Expo. They also attended a gala reception on the occasion of the 16th International Economic Forum 'Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum 2025'. The Prime Minister said Tatarstan has enormous potential and that Malaysia is ready to discuss trade and economic issues with it, such as Islamic banking and the halal industry in Kazan. As of 2022, the population of Tatarstan stood at 3.9 million people, comprising more than 70 ethnic groups, with more than 50 per cent of the population being Muslim. Tatarstan is home to more than 150 halal product manufacturers, with around 20 companies focusing on exports. Its major exports are refined petroleum (US$4.28 billion) (US$1=RM4.28), crude petroleum (US$3.84 billion), synthetic rubber (US$1.06 billion) and nitrogen fertilisers (US$202 million). In his address at the Strategic Vision Group Meeting: Russia-Islamic World (KazanForum 2025), themed 'Experience of Russia and the Islamic World in Youth Policy: Common Challenges and Joint Actions', Anwar emphasised the vital importance and crucial role of multilateral cooperation in addressing the evolving challenges faced by youth, especially within the Islamic world. As for his keynote address at the International Economic Forum 'Russia-Islamic World: KazanForum 2025', Anwar called on the Islamic world to work together and strengthen its fundamentals, which begin with the economy. This is why embracing the halal industry is critical, he said, noting that the market is worth US$3 trillion. 'From the Gulf countries, the Middle East, to Africa, to Asia, we should then formalise and strengthen this cohesion,' he added. On Islamic finance, Anwar said it is not just a matter of adopting the 'riba'-free approach, but also to enter into new innovations, hence offering an alternative that is economically viable for the Muslim world and also the participation of non-Muslims. The Malaysia delegation included Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, and Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani. As of 2024, Russia is Malaysia's ninth-largest trading partner among European countries, with total trade valued at RM11.46 billion (US$2.48 billion). Anwar's four-day visit to Russia ends today. -- BERNAMA BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies. Follow us on social media : Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio Twitter : @ @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial TikTok : @bernamaofficial
The Sun
16-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Anwar slams unilateral decisions by some countries as sheer display of power and arrogance, ignoring interests of small nations
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today slammed unilateral decisions taken by some countries, as it is a sheer display of power and arrogance and does not take into account the interests, especially of small countries. 'We need to showcase that every community, every country, whether small, rich or poor, must be given due respect and recognition,' said Anwar during a public lecture entitled 'Bridging Worlds In A Fractured Age' at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO). Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, was bestowed an honorary doctorate from MGIMO. 'When we talk about bilateral relations, it is not just about politics and diplomacy but also includes trade, investments and industrial cooperation. 'Countries have to ensure their economic fundamentals are strong, but human values cannot be ignored,' the prime minister said. He also expressed his gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin and its people for the honour bestowed on Malaysia and the warm reception accorded to the Malaysian delegation visiting Russia. Despite both countries having different backgrounds, cultures and civilisations, he said he had a great meeting with Putin. 'We are here on his invitation, just as my colleagues and I had exchanges with a very important international leader who treated a relatively smaller country with respect and recognition,' said Anwar. Similarly, he said that, despite comprising 10 different countries in ASEAN, 'we accord a sense of respect, of equality, and this is what needs to be promoted in the world.' 'We thank the people of Russia for that sense of recognition and respect, and believe that we have to work together (despite) our different cultures and religions, and we can be called great friends,' he said. Anwar said bilateral relations also included the exchange of youths and students, as well as researchers, between Malaysia and Russia. He said there are now close to 400 Russian students in Malaysia, while in turn, there were about 700 Malaysian students in Russia. He commended MGIMO for offering Bahasa Malaysia as a subject in the university, adding that the Russian language is also offered at Universiti Malaya.
