KAZAN: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is honoured to deliver a public lecture at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations University (MGIMO), a renowned academic institution in Russia.
He would be delivering a lecture titled "Asean in a Multipolar World: Perspectives from Malaysia."
Following the lecture on Thursday (May 15), Anwar was scheduled to receive an honorary doctorate from MGIMO in recognition of his contributions to promoting global peace and strengthening international cooperation.
Concluding the first leg of his official visit in Moscow, the Prime Minister and his delegation would depart for Kazan, Tatarstan, to attend a series of scheduled events.
Upon arrival in Kazan, the first item on the agenda was a meeting with the Rais (head) of Tatarstan.
In the afternoon, Anwar would be taken on a tour of the Kazan Kremlin, a site renowned for its extraordinary ensemble of historic buildings dating back to the Islamic rule era.
The Kremlin comprises several historical, architectural, and archaeological complexes, including defensive fortresses, the Governor's Palace, and the iconic Syuyumbeki Tower.
Tatarstan is one of the wealthiest federal entities in Russia, with an economy driven by oil production and key industrial sectors.
According to data in 2021, the majority of Tatarstan's population consists of Sunni Muslims (54%).
The Prime Minister and his delegation would then participate in the Kazan Expo, where they would visit a technology exhibition as well as the Russian Halal Expo.
He was also expected to attend a Gala Reception on the occasion of the XVI International Economic Forum "Russia - Islamic World: KazanForum 2025".
In addition, from May 13 to 18, the Kazan Agro-Industrial Park would host the Kazan Halal Market international trade fair within the framework of the XVI International Economic Forum "Russia-Islamic World: KazanForum 2025".
Tatarstan is home to more than 150 halal product manufacturers, with around 20 companies focused on exports.
The republic is a major exporter of refined petroleum (US$4.28bil) (US$1=RM4.28), crude petroleum (US$3.84 bil), synthetic rubber (US$1.06bil), nitrogen fertilisers (US$202mil), and seed oils (US$196mil).
The Prime Minister's four-day official visit is scheduled to conclude on Friday (May 15). – Bernama
