MOSCOW: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's official visit to Russia is set to mark a diplomatic milestone and strengthen the ties between Kuala Lumpur and Moscow, as it is the first such visit by a Malaysian leader in nearly 20 years.
Malaysian Ambassador to Russia, Datuk Cheong Loon Lai, described the four-day visit as highly significant in terms of bilateral relations and its historical context.
The last official visit by a Malaysian Prime Minister to the Russian Federation took place in June 2007, under the late Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
"This visit is historic and meaningful for the Russian side as it is the first official visit by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim since taking office.
"The last official visit by a Malaysian Prime Minister happened nearly two decades ago. It's been a very long gap," he told the Malaysian media here on Tuesday (May 13).
The visit would consist of two key segments, beginning with Moscow, the capital, and ending with Kazan in the Republic of Tatarstan.
Anwar will be accompanied by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Li Kang, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, and Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.
According to Cheong, upon arrival at the Vnukovo-2 International Airport this evening (local time), Anwar was scheduled to inspect a ceremonial Guard of Honour before attending a gathering with the Malaysian diaspora in Russia.
He said the second day would feature a high-level roundtable discussion between the Malaysian delegation and Russian industry leaders. Over 20 companies have registered to participate so far.
The Prime Minister was also scheduled to meet his Russian counterpart, Mikhail Mishustin, at the iconic Government House, popularly known as the "White House" of Russia, with economic cooperation, trade and investment expected to top the agenda in the bilateral discussions.
Later in the day, Cheong said Anwar would meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The two leaders are set to explore broader collaborations in agriculture, education, aerospace, energy and agro-commodities.
"The talks between the two leaders will also include regional and global developments of mutual concern," he said.
Another highlight of the visit would be at the prestigious Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), where Anwar would deliver a public lecture. The institution would also confer on him an Honorary Doctorate in recognition of his contributions to global peace and international cooperation.
Meanwhile, in Kazan, Anwar is expected to hold talks with the head of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov, and will deliver a keynote address at the Strategic Vision Group's "Russia-Islamic World" meeting on Thursday (May 13).
The visit would culminate at the 16th edition of the KazanForum, Russia's premier economic platform for engagement with Islamic nations, where Anwar would again deliver a keynote address during the plenary session.
Russia remains one of Malaysia's most important European trade partners. In 2024, Russia ranked as Malaysia's ninth-largest trading partner in Europe, with total trade valued at RM11.46bil (USD2.48bil). – Bernama
