Moscow: Malaysia and Russia will explore ways to beef up trade and investment linkages while enabling seamless transactions between them to strengthen economic ties and cooperation during Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to Russia, Malaysia’s Ambassador to Russia, Datuk Cheong Loon Lai, said Monday.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the issue of payments was also discussed when the Prime Minister visited Vladivostok for the Kazan Economic Forum last year. Both sides are actively engaged in finding ways to facilitate seamless transactions and bolster trade relations. Despite challenges, trade between the two countries has been on an uptrend. Russia’s trade with other ASEAN countries, including Vietnam, has also been increasing.
While in Russia, Prime Minister Anwar will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. Anwar will also attend the 16th International Economic Forum in Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan, entitled ‘Russia-Islamic World: KazanForum’.
Cheong mentioned that Moscow has significant offerings in technology, expressing interest in collaborations. Malaysia’s multi-pronged approach in establishing ties is vital for navigating global uncertainties and creating a resilient trade framework. He noted that Malaysia’s stance during the late Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s visit to Russia in 2007 was welcomed, considering global geopolitical contexts.
During meetings with Putin, the leaders will assess bilateral relations and advance cooperation in trade, investments, agriculture, education, aerospace, and energy. They will also exchange views on regional and international developments.
According to a statement by Wisma Putra, as ASEAN chair in 2025, Malaysia will explore avenues to deepen cooperation within the ASEAN-Russia Dialogue Relations framework. Anwar will engage industry leaders, deliver a public lecture at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGMO), and meet the Malaysian diaspora in Moscow.
In Kazan, Anwar is scheduled to meet Tatarstan’s Rais, Rustam Minnikhanov, and deliver an address at the Strategic Vision Group meeting ‘Russia-Islamic World’. The highlight of his visit is participating in the XVI International Economic Forum, ‘Russia-Islamic World: KazanForum’, where he will deliver a keynote address.
Anwar will be accompanied by several ministers, including Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan and Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Mohamad Sabu. In 2024, Russia was Malaysia’s ninth-largest trading partner among European countries, with trade reaching RM11.46 billion (US$2.48 billion). Malaysia’s key exports to Russia include electrical products, machinery, and processed foods, while imports primarily comprise petroleum, minerals, and chemical products.