KUALA LUMPUR — Russian President Vladimir Putin has described Malaysia as a “reliable and significant” partner, both regionally and globally, during talks with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Moscow today.
Speaking at the Kremlin, Putin welcomed Anwar and praised longstanding ties between the two nations, saying: “Malaysia is our long-standing, very reliable and significant partner, both in general and in Southeast Asia.”
The Russian leader also asked Anwar to extend an invitation to Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar to visit Russia.
“I have a big favour to ask. Please convey my best wishes to the head of state, Sultan Ibrahim,” Putin said, as reported by Russian news agency TASS. “We are waiting for him to visit Russia.”
Malaysia is a federal elective monarchy, with its king selected for a five-year term by and from among the nine hereditary rulers of the Malaysian states. Sultan Ibrahim of Johor ascended as head of state in 2024.
Anwar, who arrived in the Russian capital on Tuesday for an official visit, called Russia a “great friend” of Malaysia and expressed hope that the two countries would deepen their cooperation in the coming days.
Putin noted that while bilateral trade had dipped slightly last year, economic relations remained stable.
“The Intergovernmental Commission should pay attention to this, look for reasons and do everything to return to a positive trend,” he said.
The meeting comes as Malaysia continues to pursue a non-aligned foreign policy, maintaining relations with a broad range of global powers amid heightened geopolitical tensions.
Earlier in the day, Anwar also held talks with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening ties in strategic sectors, including trade, investment, higher education, health, energy, agriculture, tourism, and scientific and cultural exchanges.
Anwar said Malaysia was keen to boost exports of high-value products such as medical devices and solar panels, while also encouraging Russian investment in high-tech industries like aerospace, the digital economy, energy, and agrotechnology.
He also said Malaysia welcomed the resumption of direct Aeroflot flights to enhance people-to-people connectivity and extended an invitation for Mishustin to visit Malaysia with a government and business delegation. — May 14, 2025