Russia, Malaysia well-positioned to deepen ties, says Putin

KAZAN: Russian president Vladimir Putin said Russia and Malaysia have established a strong foundation for further expansion of bilateral cooperation as they approach the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year.

Speaking during a meeting with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on the sidelines of the Asean-Russia Commemorative Summit here on Wednesday night, Putin said the two countries were approaching the milestone with “substantive positive experience” in bilateral engagement.

“Next year will mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries. We are approaching this date with substantive positive experience of mutual and official cooperation, and we have established serious coordination towards further expansion,” he said.

Putin added that Russia and Malaysia maintain regular contact through their ministries, agencies, and parliaments, while an intergovernmental commission on economic, scientific, technical, and cultural cooperation is responsible for the practical implementation of joint projects.

He also said that bilateral trade had continued to grow.

“In 2025, natural trade between our countries increased by 12.9%, which is a good result,” he said, adding that Russia also attaches great importance on cooperation with Malaysia in education, science and technology, tourism, as well as humanitarian ties.

He welcomed Malaysia’s support for strengthening the strategic partnership between Russia and Asean, noting that the first summit-level meeting between Russia and Asean was held in Malaysia in 2005.

“Last year, your country chaired Asean, and we welcome that Malaysia maintains and supports the development of the first strategic partnership between Russia and Asean,” he said.

Putin also described Malaysia as a long-standing global partner and said that cooperation between the two countries had consistently been based on the principles of mutual respect and consideration of interests.

Putin recalled meeting Anwar in Malaysia and conveyed his best wishes to Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim.