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.
