PRESIDENT Vladimir Putin has affirmed that ties between Russia and Malaysia are steadily strengthening, reflecting the mutual commitment of both nations to deepen meaningful and productive cooperation.
Speaking during a joint press conference with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Moscow on Wednesday, Putin said Anwar’s official four-day visit from 13 to 16 May marked a clear sign of the progressive development of bilateral relations.
“The visit demonstrates that our bilateral ties are evolving successfully and progressively, with both sides showing a strong interest in making our cooperation more substantive and transparent,” the Russian President stated.
Putin said he and Anwar discussed a wide range of bilateral matters, as well as pressing issues on the international agenda, identifying specific plans to further enhance Russia-Malaysia cooperation.
“Russia and Malaysia share a long-standing tradition of friendship and mutual understanding. We have always sought to engage with one another based on the principles of mutual respect and shared comprehension,” he said.
The Russian leader added that all the prerequisites are in place for both nations to elevate their partnership even further.
Given Malaysia’s current role as ASEAN Chair, Putin said discussions also covered the prospects of strengthening Russia’s dialogue with the regional bloc.
“We spoke in detail about issues surrounding peaceful and sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region,” he added.
On cultural and humanitarian cooperation, Putin noted that both countries regularly host film festivals, photography exhibitions and music concerts, underscoring vibrant people-to-people engagement.
Putin also revealed that approximately 700 Malaysians are currently pursuing their studies in Russia through government-allocated quotas under academic partnerships between institutions from both countries.
Russia and Malaysia, he noted, have signed more than 80 agreements involving scientific, educational and academic exchange. Russian university diplomas are recognised in Malaysia without the need for additional accreditation.
Addressing multilateral cooperation, Putin said Malaysia has been invited to participate as a “partner country” in BRICS activities during Russia’s current chairmanship of the group.
“We are pleased that our Malaysian friends accepted this invitation, and we will do everything necessary to ensure that Malaysia can swiftly engage in all BRICS partner mechanisms,” he added.
Earlier on Wednesday, Prime Minister Anwar was welcomed with a formal ceremony at the Kremlin, home to President Putin’s official residence—marking a significant milestone in diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Russia.
In 2024, Russia ranked as Malaysia’s ninth largest trading partner among European nations, with total trade reaching RM11.46 billion (US\$2.48 billion).
Anwar Raises MH17 Issue in Talks with Putin
Separately, Anwar confirmed he raised the matter of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 during his bilateral meeting with President Putin, representing the interests of Malaysian families affected by the tragedy.
“Of course, as a representative of Malaysians—especially the families of victims—I took the opportunity to raise the issue with President Vladimir Putin during our bilateral discussions,” Anwar told Malaysian media on Wednesday night in Moscow.
The comment followed recent findings by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which concluded that Russia was responsible for the 2014 downing of MH17 over eastern Ukraine. The aircraft, en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, was shot down by a Russian missile during fighting between pro-Russian separatists and Ukrainian forces.
According to Anwar, Putin listened carefully to the concerns raised and extended his sympathies and condolences to the families of the victims.
The Russian President reaffirmed his call for a “thorough and independent” investigation into the incident and cautioned against politicising the matter.
“From the beginning, Moscow has insisted that any investigation must be impartial and meticulous,” Putin was quoted as saying, adding that Russia is prepared to cooperate—provided the investigating body is perceived as independent.
Anwar said he would relay Putin’s remarks to the families of the victims in Malaysia.
“What I can confirm is that he stated it is untrue that he is unwilling to cooperate. However, he does not wish to work with any body that he or Russia considers to be lacking independence,” Anwar said.
On Monday, ICAO—a UN aviation agency—formally concluded that Russia bears responsibility for the incident, which claimed the lives of all 298 passengers and crew on board. It is expected to determine appropriate compensation measures in the coming weeks.
In November 2022, a Dutch court convicted two Russian nationals and one Ukrainian in absentia for their roles in the attack.
Following the conclusion of the Moscow leg of his visit, Anwar is scheduled to continue to Kazan, Tatarstan, on 15 May as part of the second segment of his official trip. The visit was made at the invitation of President Putin. - May 15, 2025
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