Photo: Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: Russia is committed to deepening its partnership with Malaysia, focusing on expanding education and tourism cooperation this year, says Russian Ambassador to Malaysia, Naiyl M. Latypov.
As both nations mark nearly six decades of diplomatic ties, Russia aims to enhance student exchange programmes, increase educational grants, and boost tourism engagement to further strengthen bilateral relations.
According to the ambassador, there are currently around 850 Malaysian students in Russia, and a total of 600 Malaysians have graduated as doctors from Russian universities so far.
"We have the potential to enhance this cooperation. From this year, Russia is ready to double the number of grants offered to Malaysian students," he told Bernama International after appearing on the Bernama TV programme The Nation, discussing the topic Malaysia-Russia: Stronger Ties in a Changing World on Tuesday (Feb 11).
The ambassador highlighted tourism as another key area for strengthening ties, noting that while 1.5 million Russians visit Thailand annually, only about 100,000 travel to Malaysia.
"It is the same hot weather, good sea, very tasty food...,” he said.
Latypov also expressed his hope for deeper political dialogue between Russia and Malaysia, including more high-level engagements between ministers and government agencies.
"Russia is ready to expand its ties with Malaysia in areas such as people-to-people exchanges, humanitarian programmes, economic and trade cooperation, as well as industry and investment. We should work hard to implement all these possibilities,” he added.
Meanwhile, during the The Nation programme, Latypov described Malaysia as "a very important, strong, and trusted partner” for Russia in Southeast Asia, noting that the two nations share nearly 60 years of relations built on mutual trust and beneficial cooperation in different spheres.
On BRICS, where Malaysia is a partner country, the ambassador stated that the group is open to listening to the perspectives of all member nations.
He also expressed hope that Malaysia’s involvement would help diversify its economic ties, which are currently focused on China, the United States, and Western countries.
"BRICS provides an opportunity to broaden our trade partnerships and deepen economic collaboration with other partners. It is not against any country or group of countries," he added.
Speaking on ASEAN, which Malaysia currently chairs, Latypov stressed that "the bloc remains a pillar of peace, security, and stability in the region and that its role must be maintained.” - Bernama
