MOSCOW, Aug 6 -- His Majesty Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin during the State Welcoming Ceremony at the Grand Kremlin Palace today. --fotoBERNAMA (2025) COPYRIGHT RESERVED
MOSCOW: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, says that his state visit to Russia reflects his sincere wish to strengthen ties and cooperation between the two nations.
His Majesty said Malaysia regarded Russia as a trusted and important partner.
"Our diplomatic relations span more than five decades, having been formally established in April 1967. I’m reminded that Malaysia was among the earliest Asean nations to establish ties with Moscow.
"As a Russian saying goes, friendship is more valuable than money. It is this spirit of friendship, I believe, that will continue to shape the direction of the relationship between our two nations for the benefit of our people.”
Sultan Ibrahim made the remarks during an official meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin following a state welcoming ceremony at the Grand Kremlin Palace here on Wednesday (Aug 6).
Accompanying His Majesty were Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, who is also Minister-in-Attendance, Foreign Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Amran Mohamed Zin and Malaysian Ambassador to Russia Datuk Cheong Loon Lai.
Putin was joined by senior Russian officials, including Aide to the Russian President for International Affairs Yury Ushakov, Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov, Minister of Science and Higher Education Valery Falkov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Alexander Pankin and Deputy Minister of Defence Alexander Fomin.
Sultan Ibrahim is on his maiden state visit to Russia until Aug 10 at the invitation of Putin.
This marks the first state visit by a Malaysian Head of State to Russia.
After the meeting, Sultan Ibrahim and Putin exchanged official gifts at the St. Andrew's Hall and proceeded to the Granovitaya Chamber, the oldest preserved secular building in Moscow dating back to the 15th century, for a state banquet hosted by the Russian president.
Prior to the state welcoming ceremony, His Majesty visited the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the Alexander Garden near the Kremlin Wall.
The Moscow Kremlin, a Unesco World Heritage site, is a historic fortified complex in the heart of Moscow. Dating back to the 15th century, it houses the official residence of the Russian president, cathedrals, museums and ceremonial halls including the Grand Kremlin Palace, where major state events are held.
Sultan Ibrahim arrived here on Tuesday (Aug 5) for a state visit until Aug 10, at the invitation of Putin.
This is the first state visit by a Malaysian Head of State to Russia and is seen as a highlight of the five decades of diplomatic ties established in 1967.
The visit also underscores the role of the Malaysian monarchy in advancing the nation's diplomacy.- Bernama
