Supreme Head of Federation of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim: We see Russia as partner we can trust
On 6 August, President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin held talks in Moscow with the Supreme Head of the Federation of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim, who arrived in Russia on a state visit. This is reported by the official website of the Russian President.
Vladimir Putin noted that diplomatic relations between Russia and Malaysia have been maintained for almost 60 years and that political dialogue is developing. "Trade turnover is growing, and at a very good pace [...] I would like to note that in January-May this year, our trade turnover grew by more than 40 per cent. And in my opinion, this is a very good indicator"
The President emphasised the countries' cooperation in international forums, including the UN, as well as the importance of Malaysia's chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) from the beginning of 2025. He recalled that Russia supported the country's desire to become a BRICS partner.
Sultan Ibrahim thanked Vladimir Putin for the reception and emphasised that Russia is an important partner for Malaysia. "We see Russia as a partner we can trust. [...] Therefore, this visit reflects my sincere desire to improve our relations and strengthen our cooperation. As it is said in Russia, friendship is much more important than money. I am confident that it is the spirit of friendship that will help us to further strengthen relations between our peoples so that they can reap the direct benefits of this"
In an exclusive commentary for TV BRICS, Roman Fainshmidt, a lecturer at the President University in Indonesia, said that since 2022, relations between the two countries have gained new momentum. Russia supplies Malaysia with coal, fertilisers, agricultural products, medical equipment and IT solutions, and is also expanding cooperation in tourism, nuclear energy, and the aerospace industry.
He added that in early 2025, Malaysia became a BRICS partner country and is already participating in a number of the association's working mechanisms, with a particular focus on the sustainable development agenda, AI regulation and reform of the global financial architecture.
Photo: kremlin.ru