Moscow: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, says that his state visit to Russia reflects his sincere wish to strengthen ties and cooperation between the two nations. His Majesty said Malaysia regarded Russia as a trusted and important partner.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sultan Ibrahim emphasized that diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Russia have spanned more than five decades, having been formally established in April 1967. He remarked that Malaysia was among the earliest ASEAN nations to establish ties with Moscow. Quoting a Russian saying, the King noted, “friendship is more valuable than money,” and expressed his belief that this spirit of friendship will continue to shape the direction of the relationship between the two nations for the benefit of their peoples.

Sultan Ibrahim made these remarks during an official meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, following a state welcoming ceremony at the Grand Kremlin Palace. Accompanying His Majesty were Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, who is also Minister-in-Attendance, Foreign Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Amran Mohamed Zin, and Malaysian Ambassador to Russia Datuk Cheong Loon Lai.

On the Russian side, President Putin was joined by senior officials, including Aide to the Russian President for International Affairs Yury Ushakov, Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov, Minister of Science and Higher Education Valery Falkov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Alexander Pankin, and Deputy Minister of Defence Alexander Fomin.

Sultan Ibrahim’s visit marks the first state visit by a Malaysian Head of State to Russia and will continue until August 10, at the invitation of President Putin.