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Borneo Post
19-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Anwar's Moscow visit strengthens strategic ties and future trade prospects
Anwar meeting the Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin in Moscow on May 14. – Bernama Photo KUALA LUMPUR (May 19): In a time of increasing global uncertainty, the ability of a nation to maintain strategic neutrality while proactively forging meaningful international partnerships has become not only a strength but a necessity. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's recent official visit to Moscow, including engagements in the Republic of Tatarstan, is emblematic of Malaysia's matured and far-sighted foreign policy. It sends a clear message that Malaysia is actively pushing for opportunities and is no longer merely waiting. The visit marked a shift in how Malaysia positions itself in a post-pandemic world shaped by fractured supply chains, energy insecurity, and shifting geopolitical alliances. As Malaysia continues to uphold its principle of non-alignment, its strategic outreach to Russia demonstrates a confident pivot towards diversified cooperation. The trip created new spaces for bilateral dialogue, particularly in high-value sectors such as technology, education, aerospace, digital economy, food security, and the halal industry. The Kremlin reception for Anwar reflected a strong mutual interest in developing a pragmatic relationship grounded in economic realism and geopolitical respect. For Malaysia, this relationship offers not just trade possibilities, but access to a complementary industrial base especially in high-tech manufacturing, artificial intelligence (AI), and agritech. For Russia, the partnership opens doors to Southeast Asia and the broader Muslim world, leveraging Malaysia's global halal certification credibility and ASEAN's rising strategic relevance. With bilateral trade already valued at RM11.46 billion, Russia has become Malaysia's ninth-largest trading partner in Europe. Nivakan Sritharan However, as Nivakan Sritharan, lecturer from the Faculty of Business, Design and Arts of Swinburne University, Sarawak Campus, pointed out: 'The significance of this visit lies not in past figures, but in the forward trajectory it sets.' He explained that the meetings in Tatarstan, which is home to over 25 million Muslims and more than 150 halal-certified manufacturers, signaled the beginning of an ambitious halal supply chain collaboration. 'Malaysia's recognised leadership in halal certification can help Russian producers meet international standards, enabling co-branded exports to Muslim-majority markets across Central Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. 'This not only fuels trade but strengthens faith-based economic diplomacy and positions Malaysia as a regional halal logistics and certification hub.' This halal partnership carries broader cultural and geopolitical implications. By promoting shared Islamic values and economic empowerment, Malaysia is subtly redefining diplomacy through soft power. Nivakan envisions a 'Malaysia-Russia-Africa triangular initiative, where halal products, agri-innovation, and logistics form the backbone of mutual cooperation,' underscoring Malaysia's vision for economic development that transcends borders and ideology. Equally significant is the synergy between Russia's technological prowess and Malaysia's innovation goals. Russia's established capabilities in aerospace, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity provide fertile ground for joint research and development initiatives. 'These are not abstract ideas, they are pragmatic solutions to shared challenges like food security, climate adaptation, and industrial digitisation,' Dr Nivakan said. He further highlighted education as another promising area, noting: 'With a renewed focus on TVET (technical and vocational education and training) and STI (science, technology and innovation) cooperation, Malaysia and Russia are preparing to develop future-ready human capital.' This includes university exchanges, technical collaboration, and the creation of joint innovation councils to support Malaysia's Industry 4.0 agenda and foster cross-border entrepreneurial ecosystems. From an economic resilience standpoint, Malaysia's deepening ties with Russia are both timely and strategic. Dzul Hadzwan Husaini Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) Faculty of Economics and Business' economics lecturer, Dzul Hadzwan Husaini, said: 'Russia presents a rare opportunity to access a high-technology ecosystem that rivals Western counterparts.' This includes fields such as medical sciences, robotics, materials engineering, and digital health sectors which are critical for Malaysia's long-term industrial transformation. More importantly, he said: 'Russia's status as a top exporter of critical minerals positions it as a valuable partner in Malaysia's green energy transition, particularly under the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR).' Agriculture and food security also emerged as central themes during the prime minister's visit. Dzul noted that Russia's abundance of arable land and role as a major producer of nitrogen fertilisers, seed oils, and veterinary pharmaceuticals offer complementary strengths to Malaysia's agri-tech ambitions. 'By leveraging Russian resources and combining them with Malaysia's halal processing expertise and smart farming technologies, both nations stand to benefit. This partnership could help stabilise food prices, boost productivity, and promote climate-resilient agriculture in underserved markets.' Critically, all of this progress is being achieved without compromising Malaysia's neutral foreign policy. Dzul emphasized: 'Deepening Malaysia-Russia relations does not imply a deviation from non-alignment, but rather a strategic expansion of partnerships that enhance economic security and reduce dependence on traditional economic giants like the US and China.' He stressed that Malaysia's approach is grounded in constructive engagement. 'It avoids the zero-sum game of global power blocs and instead favours a multilateral, interest-based diplomacy that serves national development goals.' This stance is especially relevant as Malaysia prepares to take over the ASEAN chairmanship in 2025. Jerome Kueh , Associate Professor, Faculty of Economics and Business at Unimas, elaborated on the broader geopolitical significance: 'The Moscow engagement positions Malaysia as a credible intermediary between East and West, capable of steering economic dialogue, digital transformation, and green growth, all while upholding regional stability.' This growing credibility on the global stage is no accident. It reflects deliberate policy choices, institutional reforms, and visionary leadership. Under Anwar, Malaysia is demonstrating a blend of pragmatism and principle in its foreign engagements. The Moscow visit fits into a broader strategy of positioning Malaysia as a bridge between worlds: between developed and emerging economies, between Islamic markets and secular industries, and between traditional manufacturing and future technologies. Initiatives such as the proposed Malaysia-Russia Innovation Council, the Halal Excellence Certification Corridor, and alternative trade mechanisms (including digital currencies or barter systems) to bypass sanctions are examples of the imaginative, real-world problem-solving Malaysia is advocating internationally. These tools, as experts note, 'navigate a world where globalisation is no longer linear and where smart partnerships trump ideological loyalty.' Perhaps the most understated but impactful dimension of the Moscow visit lies in its long-term vision. Kueh emphasized: 'This visit is not about quick wins or short-term publicity. 'It is about building resilient economic linkages that future generations can rely on. It is about empowering SMEs to venture beyond ASEAN borders, preparing Malaysian youth to co-create technologies with foreign peers, and ensuring Malaysia has a say in shaping emerging global norms, especially in digital, food, and energy domains.' Anwar's visit to Moscow must be seen in the broader context of Malaysia's coming of age as a confident, capable middle power. A country no longer content with reactive diplomacy, Malaysia is asserting itself as a leader of balanced engagement, navigating global complexities with wisdom, clarity, and foresight. As the world continues to fracture along ideological, economic, and technological lines, Malaysia's approach offers a refreshing reminder that partnerships can still be built on trust, shared goals, and mutual benefit. anwar ibrahim asean lead Vladimir Putin
The Sun
14-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Anwar, Putin express shared intention to deepen trade and investment between Malaysia, Russia
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and Russia have expressed a shared intention to deepen trade and investment between the two nations, signalling a new chapter in their growing bilateral relationship. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that while relations between the two countries have been good, there is still significant untapped potential in areas such as trade, investment and collaboration. 'That is precisely why I chose to come here as his guest,' he said during a joint press conference with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, Russia. Anwar has welcomed Russia's support in key sectors such as training, aerospace, science, technology and innovation (STI), technical and vocational education and training (TVET), digitalisation and artificial intelligence (AI). 'We are grateful that President Putin regards Malaysia as a trusted friend and a country where such support can be extended to,' he said. The Prime Minister also noted Malaysia's interest in collaborating with Russia in the fields of semiconductors and AI, given the importance of these sectors in driving future economic growth. He added that both leaders also discussed broader international issues and emphasised the importance of a rules-based multilateral order. 'We do not support unilateral actions by any country, as they disrupt peace and security both in our region and globally,' Anwar said. Putin said, 'We have paid priority attention to the further development of trade and investment,' referring to the scope of economic cooperation between the two countries. In 2024, Russia was Malaysia's ninth-largest trading partner among European nations, with total trade reaching RM11.46 billion (US$2.48 billion). Malaysia's major exports to Russia include electrical and electronics products, machinery, equipment and parts, and processed food.
New Straits Times
14-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Anwar, Putin pledge to strengthen Malaysia-Russia trade and investment
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and Russia have expressed a shared intention to deepen trade and investment between the two nations, signalling a new chapter in their growing bilateral relationship. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that while relations between the two countries had been good, there was still significant untapped potential in areas such as trade, investment and collaboration. "That is precisely why I chose to come here as his guest," he said during a joint press conference with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, Russia. Anwar has welcomed Russia's support in key sectors such as training, aerospace, science, technology and innovation (STI), technical and vocational education and training (TVET), digitalisation and artificial intelligence (AI). "We are grateful that President Putin regards Malaysia as a trusted friend and a country where such support can be extended to," he said. The prime minister also noted Malaysia's interest in collaborating with Russia in the fields of semiconductors and AI, given the importance of these sectors in driving future economic growth. He added that both leaders also discussed broader international issues and emphasised the importance of a rules-based multilateral order. "We do not support unilateral actions by any country, as they disrupt peace and security both in our region and globally," Anwar said. Putin said, "We have paid priority attention to the further development of trade and investment," referring to the scope of economic cooperation between the two countries. In 2024, Russia was Malaysia's ninth-largest trading partner among European nations, with total trade reaching RM11.46 billion (US$2.48 billion). Malaysia's major exports to Russia include electrical and electronics products, machinery, equipment and parts, and processed food. – BERNAMA
New Straits Times
14-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Russia eyes oil, gas and nuclear ties with Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR: Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed optimism over the potential for joint ventures between Russia and Malaysia in the fields of natural gas and nuclear energy. "Malaysia's oil and gas company, Petronas, has equity capital in Rosneft, it has partnership ties with this company and is developing ties with this company, as well as 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 Center in Saint Petersburg. Moscow, he said, supplied a considerable volume of oil products and coal to the Malaysian market. "We see prospects for implementing joint projects in the field of gas and the peaceful use of atomic energy. In Malaysia, with the help of Russia, we have constructed a plant to produce synthetic rubbers," Putin said at a joint press conference with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Moscow, Russia. "In the context of long-term contracts, we have established input from Russia of potassium and nitrogen fertilisers for Malaysian agriculture," he said, adding that Moscow was also increasing the supply of agricultural products from Russia to Malaysia, such as grains. "We are also going to increase exports to Malaysia of high (quality) meat and dairy products according to the Islamic halal standards," he added. 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 electronics products, machinery, equipment and parts, and processed foods. – BERNAMA
Borneo Post
14-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Russia sees prospects for joint venture with Malaysia in O&G, nuclear energy
Petronas has equity capital in Rosneft, it has partnership ties with this company and is developing ties with this company, as well as with Gazprom, says Putin. – Bernama photo KUALA LUMPUR (May 14): Russian President Vladimir Putin said he sees prospects for joint ventures between Russia and Malaysia in the fields of natural gas and nuclear energy. 'Malaysia's oil and gas company, Petronas, has equity capital in Rosneft, it has partnership ties with this company and is developing ties with this company, as well as 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 Center in Saint Petersburg. Moscow, he said, supplies a considerable volume of oil products and coal to the Malaysian market. 'We see prospects for implementing joint projects in the field of gas and the peaceful use of atomic energy. In Malaysia, with the help of Russia, we have constructed a plant to produce synthetic rubbers,' Putin said at a joint press conference with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Moscow, Russia. 'In the context of long-term contracts, we have established input from Russia of potassium and nitrogen fertilisers for Malaysian agriculture,' he said, adding that Moscow is also increasing the supply of agricultural products from Russia to Malaysia, such as grains. 'We are also going to increase exports to Malaysia of high (quality) meat and dairy products according to the Islamic halal standards,' he added. 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 electronics products, machinery, equipment and parts, and processed foods. – Bernama anwar ibrahim Gazprom malaysia Petronas Rosneft Russia Vladimir Putin
