Copter mania: Sultan Ibrahim visiting the Kazan Helicopter Plant in Kazan, Russia. — Photo taken from Sultan Ibrahim’s Facebook page
KAZAN: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, has left for home after concluding his six-day state visit to Russia.
The special flight carrying His Majesty took off from the Kazan International Airport yesterday morning.
Accompanying His Majesty to the airport was the Rais (Head) of the Republic of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov, Bernama reported.
The state visit, which began on Aug 5, was at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
On Aug 6, the King was accorded a state welcome at the Moscow Kremlin, where Putin formally greeted His Majesty, followed by an official meeting between the two leaders.
In Moscow, Sultan Ibrahim visited the Central Scientific Research Automobile and Automotive Engines Institute to observe advancements in Russian automotive technology.
The King also visited Tochka Kipeniya, a technology and innovation centre, where he obtained insights into Russian drone technology.
After concluding the programmes in Moscow, His Majesty departed for Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan, for the second segment of the state visit, and received an audience from Minnikhanov at the Kazan Kremlin Presidential Palace.
Sultan Ibrahim also visited the Kazan Helicopter Plant (KHP), one of the world’s largest helicopter manufacturers on Saturday.
Accompanied by Minnikhanov, His Majesty was welcomed by KHP general director Nikolai Yakovlev.
Also present 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.
During the visit, His Majesty was briefed on the plant’s operations, before touring the assembly facilities and the showroom.
Sultan Ibrahim was also introduced to a range of helicopters produced by the Kazan enterprise, including the Mi-38 with a high-comfort cabin, the Mi-8MTV-1 in transport and premium configurations, and the light Ansat helicopters in police and medical variants.
His Majesty also inspected the interior of several helicopters at the showroom.
Before concluding the programme, Sultan Ibrahim viewed an exhibition highlighting Tatarstan’s industrial capabilities at the new flight test building.
This is the first state visit by a Malaysian Head of State to Russia and has been described as a highlight in more than five decades of diplomatic ties established in 1967.
The visit also underscores the role of the Malaysian monarchy in advancing the nation’s diplomacy.
