KUALA LUMPUR — Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar has wrapped up a historic state visit to Russia, marking a new chapter in bilateral relations between the two nations.
The five-day trip, which ended today, was the first by a Malaysian head of state since diplomatic ties were established in 1967. Sultan Ibrahim arrived in Moscow on August 5 at the invitation of President Vladimir Putin and held formal talks at the Kremlin.
“As a Russian saying goes, friendship is more valuable than money. It is this spirit of friendship, I believe, that will continue to shape the direction of the relationship between our two nations for the benefit of our people,” the King said.
Putin described political dialogue between Moscow and Kuala Lumpur as “well established”, citing ongoing engagement between various government agencies.
He also praised Malaysia’s role in the Russia–Islamic World strategic vision group, calling it an “effective platform” for cooperation and mutual understanding.
In a Facebook post after the visit, Sultan Ibrahim described the trip as “a strategic success in strengthening bilateral relations”.
The King’s itinerary also included a visit to Kazan, the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan, where he identified potential for closer cooperation in petrochemicals, innovation, Islamic finance and the halal industry.
He welcomed growing links between Malaysia and Tatarstan in economic, cultural and institutional fields.
The Rais (President) of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov, accompanied Sultan Ibrahim to Kazan International Airport on Sunday morning for his departure.
This was Sultan Ibrahim’s fourth overseas trip since ascending the throne on January 31 2024, following earlier state visits to Singapore, China and Brunei. — August 10, 2025