VLADIVOSTOK, Sept 6 – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s two-day working visit here is a major boost for bilateral ties between Malaysia and Russia.
With several rounds of applause he received from the audience during his keynote address at the plenary session of the 9th Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) on Thursday, Anwar’s visit was undoubtedly, welcomed by the Russians.
Describing the visit as an important one to himself, Anwar, who is on his very first visit to Russia, said this trip has opened up more significant opportunities for the two countries to enhance bilateral cooperation.
He said the bilateral meeting with President Vladimir Putin was also fully utilised not only to enhance trade relations, but also government-to-government (G2G) cooperation, including in aerospace, advanced technology, energy transition, and modern agriculture.
Additionally, topics including the economy, research, education, as well as halal product development and the Islamic finance industry had also been discussed, said Anwar who is the Finance Minister.
Anwar’s presence in Vladivostok to participate in the plenary session of the 9th EEF was at the invitation of the Russian President.
The EEF is an annual economic forum held in Russia’s Far East region, since 2015, to promote investment and economic development as well as international cooperation in the region.
Themed “Combining Strength to Create New Potential”, this year’s forum was attended by high-level foreign and local dignitaries, policymakers, academics, and captains of industries.
Indeed, a wide range of issues were discussed with the host, including Malaysia’s participation in BRICS, ASEAN chairmanship in 2025, Israel’s indiscriminate attacks on civilians in Palestine, and the call for direct flights connecting the two nations.
On BRICS, Anwar said Malaysia is among the countries prioritised for potential BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) membership, and Putin had personally extended an invitation to the Prime Minister to participate in the forthcoming BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, slated for Oct 22 to 24.
Anwar reassured that joining BRICS would not only allow Malaysia to benefit from the Global South economies but also enable the nation to share its expertise, especially due to its position as a semiconductor hub in the region.
