KAZAN: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s working visit to Kazan marked a significant milestone in Malaysia-Russia relations as both nations agreed to bolster cooperation in energy security, trade, investment, tourism and technology.
The highlight of the mission was Russia’s commitment to guaranteeing the long-term supply of petrol, oil and gas to Malaysia.
Anwar said this would provide greater energy security through stable, multi-year agreements rather than those renewed annually or on a seasonal basis.
“Preparations will be made to establish a long-term agreement,” he told Malaysian media during the closing press conference following his two-day working visit to the Asean-Russia Commemorative Summit here, Bernama reported.
Anwar said Russia had also agreed to a long-term framework, adding that approval had been granted and discussions were in the final stages.
“Company representatives have already come here. It is now a matter of signing and finalising the agreement.
“As soon as we return, we will ask them to expedite the process.
“The draft is already available. The principles have already been agreed upon. We are simply waiting for the delegation to review the details and sign it,” he added.
On Tuesday, Anwar expressed appreciation to Russian President Vladimir Putin for supporting enhanced energy cooperation, particularly involving Petronas, noting that bilateral mechanisms had expanded to cover trade, investment, finance and the halal economy.
Beyond energy, he said Malaysia must adopt a bolder, more proactive stance to expand economic ties with Russia and other emerging partners.
“We can no longer be constrained by an overly cautious approach to international economic engagement.”
The Prime Minister also called for the swift implementation of visa-free travel and the establishment of direct flights between Malaysia and Russia to boost tourist arrivals and strengthen people-to-people exchanges.
At the regional level, he welcomed the finalisation of the Asean-Russia Strategic Programme on Trade and Investment Cooperation 2026-2035, describing it as a vital catalyst for the next phase of economic collaboration.
In 2024, Asean-Russia trade amounted to US$18.1bil while Russian foreign direct investment in Asean totalled RM367.9mil (US$92.97mil).
For Malaysia, Russia was the country’s ninth-largest trading partner among European nations last year with total trade valued at RM8.72bil (US$2.04bil).
Malaysia’s primary exports to Russia included electrical and electronic products, machinery, equipment and parts and processed food while principal imports consisted of petroleum products, minerals, chemicals and chemical-based products.
Anwar also held a bilateral meeting with Head of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov.
Both sides explored opportunities to expand cooperation in trade, investment, education, tourism, halal industry, technology and talent development.
The energy sector featured prominently in the discussions with Anwar highlighting opportunities in oil and gas, including downstream activities, refining and petrochemicals, given Tatarstan’s position as one of Russia’s major oil-producing regions.
The Prime Minister said the potential for cooperation between Malaysia, Asean and Russia remained enormous, particularly in areas such as energy security, cybersecurity, agriculture, digital technology, scientific research and higher education.
Concluding his visit to Kazan, the Prime Minister departed for a two-day official visit to Turkmenistan, marking the next leg of a diplomatic tour aimed at deepening Central Asian ties and exploring long-term energy corridors.
