PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will go on an official visit to Russia from May 13 to 16 at the invitation of President Vladimir Putin, said his senior press secretary Tunku Nashrul Abaidah.
This will be Anwar’s second visit to Russia since assuming office in November 2022.
His first working visit was from Sept 4 to Sept 5 last year, when he attended the 9th Eastern Economic Forum (EEF 2024).
The visit will include engagements in Moscow and Kazan, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and exploring new avenues of cooperation between Malaysia and Russia.
The prime minister is also scheduled to attend the 16th International Economic Forum, "KazanForum," at the invitation of His Excellency Rustam Minnikhanov, Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan.
KazanForum is an international economic summit focused on strengthening ties between Russia and Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states.
“In Moscow, the prime minister is scheduled to deliver a speech at the prestigious Moscow State Institute of International Relations, meet with Russian business leaders, and engage with members of the Malaysian diaspora residing in the capital.”
In 2023, Russia was Malaysia's eighth-largest trading partner among European countries.
Total bilateral trade increased by 15.6 per cent to US$3.1 billion (RM14.22 billion) from US$2.79 billion (RM12.3 billion) registered in 2022.
Following his return from Russia, the Prime Minister is set to attend the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA 2025), which will run from 20 to 24 May under the theme “Innovate Today, Thrive Tomorrow”, according to Tunku Nashrul.
The Prime Minister underscored that LIMA 2025 should be viewed not simply as a showcase of advanced technology and defence assets, but as a key strategic platform to strengthen collaboration between government, industry, and educational institutions.
“LIMA 2025 is not merely an exhibition of assets and technology, but a strategic platform to foster collaboration between the government, industry and educational institutions by bringing together key players in the defence and commercial aviation sectors, including in MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul), IoT (Internet of Things), satellite and space technology,” Tunku Nashrul said.
He noted that the Prime Minister has called for this year’s edition to place greater emphasis on empowering local companies—particularly small and medium enterprises—to reach global markets through innovation.
“The Prime Minister has also directed that this edition of LIMA focus on empowering local companies, especially small and medium enterprises, to break into international markets through innovation,” he added.
LIMA 2025 is also expected to drive economic growth by attracting foreign direct investment and increasing tourism and international trade.
“The Prime Minister prays that all preparations go smoothly and welcomes the participation of exhibitors, investors and visitors from both domestic and international arenas to make LIMA 2025 one of the most meaningful editions in the event’s history,” he said. – May 12, 2025
