MOSCOW: The state visit of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, to Russia reflects His Majesty’s 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 said this during an official meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin following a state welcoming ceremony at the Grand Kremlin Palace here, Bernama reported.
The King arrived at about 3pm on Wednesday before proceeding to St George’s Hall, a vast ceremonial chamber adorned with white marble columns and gilded decor, where Putin formally greeted His Majesty.
Following the ceremony, both leaders moved to the Green Room for an official meeting.
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, Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov, Science and Higher Education Minister Valery Falkov, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Alexander Pankin and Deputy Defence Minister Alexander Fomin.
After the meeting, Sultan Ibrahim and Putin exchanged official gifts at 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 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.
The visit also underscores the role of the Malaysian monarchy in advancing the nation’s diplomacy.
