Anwar's Kazan Visit To Strengthen Malaysia-Russia, ASEAN-Russia Ties - Envoy

From Nurul Hanis Izmir

KAZAN (Russia), June 16 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to meet Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov, deliver a keynote address at the ASEAN-Russia Business Forum, attend a reception hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin, and hold bilateral meetings with Russian leaders during his two-day working visit to Kazan beginning June 17.

Malaysia's Ambassador to Russia Datuk Cheong Loon Lai said discussions during the visit are expected to focus on efforts to expand cooperation in trade and investment, energy, food security, the digital economy, education, culture and tourism.

“Malaysia hopes this visit will open up more opportunities for new cooperation and further strengthen the strategic relationship that has been established between Malaysia and Russia, while also contributing to the overall strengthening of ASEAN-Russia relations,” he told the media ahead of Anwar's arrival in Kazan tonight.

Anwar will be in Kazan to attend the 35th ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit, which will be held on June 17 and 18.

Also joining the Malaysian delegation are Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani and Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir.

Cheong said Anwar is scheduled to meet Minnikhanov shortly after arriving in Kazan tonight to discuss efforts to strengthen existing cooperation between Malaysia and the republic.

“The two leaders, who have met several times over the past two years, are expected to continue discussions on cooperation in trade, investment and civilisational dialogue on Islamic thought through the Special Vision Group (SVG) Russia and the Islamic World.

“On June 17, Anwar is scheduled to deliver a keynote address at the ASEAN-Russia Business Forum, which will bring together more than 400 corporate and business leaders from Russia and ASEAN member states,” he said.

Anwar is also scheduled to participate in an exclusive interview with Russia Today News before attending a reception in conjunction with the 35th ASEAN-Russia Summit, hosted by Putin and attended by ASEAN leaders.

The Prime Minister will also pay a courtesy call on Putin, followed by a bilateral meeting to discuss Malaysia-Russia strategic cooperation, including efforts to deepen, enhance and explore new areas of collaboration, as well as seek solutions to issues and challenges faced by both countries.

According to Cheong, on June 18, ASEAN and Russia will commemorate the 35th anniversary of ASEAN-Russia dialogue relations through the 35th ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit and a working lunch involving ASEAN and Russian leaders.

“In addition, the leaders are expected to exchange views on regional and international developments of mutual interest. This exchange will provide an opportunity for both sides to strengthen mutual understanding and explore new areas of cooperation that can contribute to regional peace, stability and prosperity,” he said.

The summit is expected to adopt four outcome documents, namely the Kazan Declaration on the 35th Anniversary of ASEAN-Russia Relations, the Joint Statement on Energy Cooperation, the Joint Statement on Cultural Cooperation, and the Comprehensive Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN-Russia Strategic Partnership 2026-2030.

These documents will serve as important guides for strengthening future cooperation and building a more resilient and forward-looking ASEAN-Russia partnership.

When asked whether the issue of purchasing oil and gas from Russia would be discussed, Cheong said he believed the matter would be raised during the meeting.

“This is something that I believe will be linked to these discussions because I think it is one of the key issues at the forefront of the talks. I believe it will be discussed,” he said, referring to the Prime Minister’s earlier remarks on the matter.

Anwar was recently reported as saying that ensuring the country's energy supply remains a key government priority as he undertakes a working visit to Kazan for important meetings with Putin.

He said the visit, which includes meetings between ASEAN leaders and the Russian leadership, would be utilised to ensure the continuity and security of Malaysia's oil supply.

In 2024, total ASEAN-Russia trade amounted to USD18.1 billion, while Russian foreign direct investment in ASEAN was recorded at RM367.90 million (USD92.97 million).

For Malaysia, Russia was the country's ninth-largest trading partner among European nations in 2025, with total trade valued at RM8.72 billion (USD2.04 billion).

Malaysia's main exports to Russia comprise electrical and electronic products, machinery, equipment and parts, as well as processed food products, while its principal imports from Russia include petroleum products, minerals, chemicals and chemical-based products.

-- BERNAMA