From Sharifah Hunaini Syed Ismail
MOSCOW, May 13 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s official visit to Russia is set to mark a diplomatic milestone and strengthen the ties between Kuala Lumpur and Moscow, as it is the first of such visit by a Malaysian leader in nearly 20 years.
Malaysian Ambassador to Russia, Datuk Cheong Loon Lai, described the four-day visit as highly significant, not just in terms of bilateral relations but also in its historical context.
The last official visit by a Malaysian Prime Minister to the Russian Federation took place in June 2007, through the late Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
“This visit is historic and meaningful for the Russian side as it is the first official visit by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim since taking office.
“The last official visit by a Malaysian Prime Minister happened nearly two decades ago. It’s been a very long gap,” he told the Malaysian media here.
The visit will run in two key segments, starting with the capital city of Moscow, followed by Kazan in the Republic of Tatarstan.
Anwar will be accompanied by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu; Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Chang Li Kang; Minister of Higher Education Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir; and Minister of Plantation and Commodities Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.
According to Cheong, upon arrival at the Vnukovo-2 International Airport this evening (local time), Anwar is scheduled to inspect a ceremonial Guard of Honour before attending a gathering with the Malaysian diaspora in Russia.
He said the second day will feature a high-level roundtable discussion between the Malaysian delegation and Russian industry leaders, where over 20 companies have registered to participate so far.
The Prime Minister is also scheduled to meet his Russian counterpart, Mikhail Mishustin, at the iconic Government House, popularly known as the "White House" of Russia, with economic cooperation, trade, and investment expected to top the agenda in the bilateral discussions.
Later in the day, Cheong said Anwar will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin and the two leaders are set to explore broader collaborations in areas such as agriculture, education, aerospace, energy, and agro-commodities.
“The talks between the two leaders will also include regional and global developments of mutual concern,” he said.
Another highlight of the visit will take place at the prestigious Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), where Anwar is set to deliver a public lecture. He will also be conferred an Honorary Doctorate by the institution in recognition of his contributions to global peace and international cooperation.
Meanwhile, in Kazan, Anwar is expected to hold talks with the head of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov, and will deliver a keynote address at the Strategic Vision Group’s “Russia-Islamic World” meeting on Thursday.
The visit will culminate at the 16th edition of the KazanForum, Russia’s premier economic platform for engagement with Islamic nations, where Anwar will again deliver a keynote address during the plenary session.
Russia remains one of Malaysia’s most important European trade partners. In 2024, Russia ranked as Malaysia’s ninth-largest trading partner in Europe, with total trade valued at RM11.46 billion (USD2.48 billion).
-- BERNAMA
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