THE camaraderie between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Russian President Vladimir Putin was on full display during Anwar’s recent visit to Russia, signalling a deliberate effort to deepen relations between Malaysia and Russia at a time of increasing global uncertainty.
Describing the encounter as both “strategic and mutually rewarding,” observers noted the warm and respectful reception extended to the Malaysian delegation — a gesture widely interpreted as a reaffirmation of long-standing diplomatic relations between the two countries, established since 1967.
Bernama cited today, the two leaders met at the Kremlin, where Anwar was given a full ceremonial welcome.
“We need to showcase that every community, every country, whether small, rich or poor, must be given the respect and recognition,” Anwar said during his address at Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), where he was conferred an honorary doctorate for his contributions to global peace and cooperation.
Putin, for his part, called Malaysia “a long-standing and reliable partner,” and took the opportunity to extend an invitation to His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia, via Anwar. “I have a big favour to ask. Please convey my best wishes to the head of state, Sultan Ibrahim,” he said, as reported by TASS.
During the four-day visit, Anwar also held bilateral talks with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, engaged in roundtable discussions with 24 major Russian companies, and met with the Grand Mufti of the Russian Federation, Sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin.
Business interests featured prominently throughout the visit, with a focus on enhancing trade in energy, agriculture, halal products, and technology. Russian companies such as Oil Partners, Sportmaster, and the Russian Direct Investment Fund expressed interest in deeper collaboration with Malaysian counterparts.
Putin noted the potential for joint ventures in natural gas and nuclear energy, citing Petronas' existing partnerships with Rosneft and Gazprom.
In Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan, Anwar led his delegation to the Kazan Expo and the Russian Halal Expo, further signalling Malaysia’s commitment to promoting Islamic finance and halal trade. Speaking at the 16th International Economic Forum “Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum 2025,” Anwar stressed the importance of multilateral engagement to address youth challenges in the Islamic world, while urging the Muslim world to consolidate its economic strength, particularly in the US$3 trillion halal market.
“From the Gulf countries, the Middle East, to Africa, to Asia, we should then formalise and strengthen this cohesion,” he said, adding that Islamic finance should go beyond being riba-free, embracing innovation for broader participation, including by non-Muslims.
Tatarstan, with a population of nearly 4 million and more than 150 halal product manufacturers, was identified by Anwar as a potential key partner in sectors such as Islamic banking and the halal industry.
The high-level Malaysian delegation included Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, and Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.
Russia is currently Malaysia’s ninth-largest trading partner among European countries, with bilateral trade totalling RM11.46 billion (US$2.48 billion) as of 2024.
Anwar’s visit, described as both symbolic and substantial, concludes today.
Malaysia-Russia relations, Anwar Ibrahim, Vladimir Putin, KazanForum 2025, Islamic finance, halal economy, ASEAN-Russia, global diplomacy - May 17, 2025
