adminKUALA LUMPUR, June 3 (Bernama) — Russia President Vladimir Putin has expressed sincere gratitude for His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia’s special visit to Moscow to grace the country’s Victory Day celebration last month, according to the Ambassador of Russia to Malaysia, Naiyl Latypov.
Latypov said such intensification of Russian-Malaysian dialogue at the highest level clearly reflects the upward trajectory of bilateral relations between the two nations.
“Our cooperation spans a wide range of areas – from trade, investment, and energy to tourism, cultural, and humanitarian exchange,” he said, during his speech at Russia’s National Day celebration here on Wednesday.
Sultan Ibrahim is the first Malaysian head of state to be invited as guest of honour to the 81st Anniversary of Victory Day celebrations in Moscow in May.
During a four-eyed meeting at the Kremlin on May 9, Sultan Ibrahim invited Putin to undertake a state visit to Malaysia in 2027 in conjunction with the diamond jubilee celebration of diplomatic relations between the two countries, according to a post on the king’s official Facebook page.
Latypov said Russia highly values the level of cooperation achieved with Malaysia, which will mark six decades of ties next year, and looks forward to the continued steady development of partnership for the benefit of the people of both countries.
In his speech, the ambassador cited a Malay proverb, ke gunung sama mendaki, ke lurah sama menurun (we climb mountains together and we descend valleys together), relating it to the idea of solidarity and unity in the context of Russia-Malaysia ties in overcoming challenges together.
Latypov said Malaysia is a longstanding, reliable, and valued partner of Russia, both in Southeast Asia and globally.
“Our states have always sought and strive to take into account each other’s interests, work as partners, and build cooperation based on the principles of mutual respect and benefit,” he said.
“The positions of Russia and Malaysia on regional and international matters are closely aligned. Our countries firmly uphold the principles of the supremacy of international law, sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, and coordinate efforts to preserve these foundations at key multilateral platforms, including the United Nations, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Russia-ASEAN, and BRICS dialogue partnerships,” he said.
The ambassador also noted that Malaysia’s high-level participation in the “Russia-Islamic World” Strategic Vision Group activities has proved to be an effective tool for mutual understanding and cooperation between Russia and the countries of the Islamic world.
He said Russia also looks forward to the participation of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in the upcoming Russia-ASEAN Summit in Kazan on June 17 and 18.
Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, who represented the Malaysian government at the reception, when met by Bernama, said his ministry will lead a Malaysia-Russia bilateral meeting, which is scheduled to be held in Langkawi in August.
Among the areas to be given focus is educational cooperation, including high-level technical and vocational education and training (TVET), he said.
— BERNAMA
