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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.
The Sun
16-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Anwar slams unilateral decisions by some countries
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.
Straits Times
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
Aides, diplomats and spies: Who are Russia and Ukraine sending to Istanbul?
Russia's presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky attends the exhibition of Orthodox icons by Hiroko Kozuki, painter and wife of Former Japanese Ambassador to Russia Toyohisa Kozuki, in Moscow, Russia April 23, 2025. REUTERS/Evgenia Novozhenina/File Photo Aides, diplomats and spies: Who are Russia and Ukraine sending to Istanbul? ISTANBUL - Who are Russia and Ukraine sending to the first direct diplomatic talks between the two warring countries since the spring of 2022? Just over an hour before Moscow's midnight on May 14, the Kremlin published the names of those who would attend talks proposed last week by President Vladimir Putin. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the failure of his Russian counterpart to meet him face-to-face showed Moscow did not want peace, but he nevertheless authorised a delegation to go to Istanbul, whose names were published on Thursday evening. Russia's delegation * Vladimir Medinsky, Kremlin aide. To head the delegation. Born in Soviet Ukraine, Medinsky helped lead the 2022 peace talks which ultimately failed. Educated at Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), Medinsky was behind a new history textbook for schools which reflects Putin's historical view: pride at the achievements of the superpower Soviet Union, indignation at the humiliations of the Soviet collapse, and acclaim for the "rebirth" of Russia under the former KGB spy's rule which began on the last day of 1999. He is chairman of the ultra-patriotic Russian Military Historical Society. * Mikhail Galuzin, deputy foreign minister Oversees relations with the Commonwealth of Independent States, a grouping of former Soviet republics. Educated at Moscow State University's Institute of Asian and African Studies. Speaks fluent Japanese and English. * Igor Kostyukov, director of Russian military intelligence, known as GRU, or more recently as simply GU. The GRU is one of the most powerful intelligence agencies in the world. Kostyukov was the first naval officer to head GRU. * Alexander Fomin, deputy defence minister. Took part in the 2022 talks on Ukraine. Additionally, Putin approved a list of experts for the negotiations. * Alexander Zorin, first deputy chief of information of the directorate of the General Staff. Born in Soviet Ukraine. Helped lead Russian intervention in the Syrian civil war. Known for seeking to reconcile sides. * Yelena Podobreyevskaya, deputy head of the Kremlin directorate for humanitarian policy. * Alexei Polishchuk, director of the foreign ministry's CIS department dealing with Belarus, Ukraine and Moldova. * V. Shevtsov, deputy head of the main directorate for international military cooperation at the defence ministry. Ukraine's delegation * Rustem Umerov, defence minister Made head of the delegation by Zelenskiy. Umerov, who is from the Crimean Tatar minority indigenous to the Russian-occupied peninsula, was part of the delegation in the failed 2022 talks. * Serhiy Kyslytsia, first deputy minister of foreign affairs Former ambassador to the United Nations * Oleksandr Poklad, deputy head of the SBU domestic intelligence service * Oleh Luhovskyi, deputy head of Ukraine's foreign intelligence service * Oleksiy Shevchenko, deputy head of the general staff of the armed forces * Vadym Skibitskyi, deputy head of military intelligence * Yevhen Shynkarov – deputy chief of staff of the air force command * Oleksandr Diakov – deputy chief of staff of the naval command * Oleksii Malovatskyi – military legal officer * Oleksandr Sherikhov – military officer * Heorhii Kuzmychov – military protocol officer * Oleksandr Bevz – presidential aide REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Barnama
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
ASEAN's Strength Lies In Neutrality And Engagement, Says Anwar
KUALA LUMPUR, May 15 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said ASEAN's ability to maintain neutrality and engage all major powers without being drawn into geopolitical rivalry is rooted in mutual respect and inclusive diplomacy. This approach, he noted, has enabled the region to remain peaceful and economically resilient amid rising global tensions. 'ASEAN, as a whole, adopts a policy of centrality. We trade with all, and we should be friends with all,' he said during a question-and-answer session following his public lecture titled 'ASEAN in a Multipolar World: Perspectives from Malaysia' at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) on Thursday. bootstrap slideshow The session was streamed on Anwar's Facebook page. Anwar added that ASEAN must remain confident in charting its path while upholding a consistent foreign policy approach in dealing with the United States (US), China and other global players. He also noted Malaysia's approach to overlapping maritime claims in the region, including in the South China Sea, was anchored in peaceful dialogue and cooperation. 'We have issues with several countries -- Thailand, Indonesia, Brunei, Singapore, the Philippines and Vietnam -- but we resolve them through negotiations or joint development efforts. We don't go to war,' he said. Meanwhile, Anwar said Malaysia had written to US President Donald Trump and China's leadership to propose holding ASEAN-US and ASEAN-China summits during Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship. 'That is what geopolitical relations are about -- engaging with all,' he said.
New Straits Times
15-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Tatarstan keen to adopt Malaysia's Islamic finance framework
KAZAN: Tatarstan has expressed keen interest in adopting Malaysia's Islamic finance model as it seeks to formalise and expand Shariah-compliant banking practices within the Russian Federation. In a meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the Kazan Kremlin today, Rais (head) of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov said his government was "serious about learning from Malaysia" in the area of Islamic finance. "We are very interested to explore Malaysia's experience in Islamic banking," Minnikhanov said during a 10-minute exchange with Anwar, who had just arrived in Kazan from Moscow. Tatarstan was chosen as one of four pilot regions for Russia's two-year Islamic banking experiment launched in 2023, alongside Bashkortostan, Chechnya and Dagestan. The republic has since emerged as the frontrunner, accounting for more than half of the total Islamic finance turnover under the pilot scheme. "Our republic is a pilot region for the implementation of Islamic partnership banking in Russia," said Minnikhanov. "We are also doing a lot of work in developing the halal industry. These are promising areas for cooperation. We learn from you, adopt the best practices." Anwar, who arrived in Kazan around 1pm following high-level talks in Moscow, welcomed the enthusiasm and reaffirmed Malaysia's commitment to supporting Islamic economic development in the region. "My team and I are ready to discuss trade and economic issues, the introduction of Islamic banking and the development of the halal industry," Anwar said. "Tatarstan has enormous potential and a large number of proposals. We are ready to work and develop our ties." Anwar's visit to Kazan marks the second leg of his four-day official trip to Russia, which began in Moscow on May 13. While in the capital, the prime minister met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, with economic and strategic engagement topping the agenda. He was also conferred an honorary doctorate by the Moscow State Institute of International Relations. In Kazan, the prime minister is scheduled to deliver a keynote address at the 16th KazanForum and participate in the Strategic Vision Group Russia–Islamic World dialogue. The forum is seen as a key venue for advancing Islamic economic partnerships between Russia and Muslim-majority countries. Minnikhanov described Anwar's presence at KazanForum as an honour for Tatarstan. "It is gratifying that a solid delegation of business circles is participating in the forum with you," he said. "KazanForum has been held in federal status for three years now and is the main platform for establishing cooperation between Russia and the countries of the Muslim world." Tatarstan and Malaysia have also expanded ties in trade, youth development and culture. A joint youth camp involving 200 teenagers from both countries is planned for this autumn in Kuala Lumpur. The programme builds on the Tatarstan delegation's visit last year to the Malaysian National Youth Council, once chaired by Anwar himself. Prior to the meeting, Minnikhanov presented Anwar with an English-language collection of poems by celebrated Tatar literary figure Gabdulla Tukai, symbolising the deepening ties between the two regions rooted in both economics and culture. Tatarstan has been a trailblazer in Russia's Islamic finance push. It hosts Russia's first official Islamic university and key initiatives like the Russian Centre of Islamic Economics and the Halal Industrial Park "Baltach", which operates fully under Islamic finance principles. Efforts are underway to align with international standards, such as those set by the Accounting and Auditing Organisation for Islamic Financial Institutions, and to explore market instruments including sukuk.
