The historic state visit of Malaysia's King Sultan Ibrahim to Russia at the invitation of President Vladimir Putin will open a new chapter in bilateral relations between the two countries, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Monday in a post on his X social media account following the official send-off ceremony for the monarch.
"This visit is historic and highly significant as His Majesty becomes the first Malaysian head of state to visit Russia on a state visit since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Russia in 1967," the Malaysian government head wrote.
"The visit opens a new chapter in bilateral relations between Malaysia and Russia and is expected to promote strategic cooperation in various fields, including bilateral trade, investment, higher education, technology and innovation, as well as direct contacts between the peoples of the two countries," Anwar Ibrahim added.
The prime minister noted that Malaysia has the potential to attract investments and new technologies from Russia, particularly in energy, aerospace, defense and smart agriculture.
"Even more importantly, this state visit strengthens the role of Malaysia's monarchy as a driving force behind the country's diplomacy, which enjoys international respect, thereby reinforcing Malaysia's sovereignty and image as a neutral, open and progressive state," the head of government stated.
Earlier, Malaysia's national news agency Bernama reported, citing a royal palace statement, that King Sultan Ibrahim would visit Russia on a state visit at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin from August 5 to 10, 2025.
According to the palace statement, the Malaysian monarch's visit program includes an official meeting with President Vladimir Putin and other official events, as well as visits to the Central Scientific Research Automobile and Automotive Engine Institute (NAMI) and the "Tochka Kipeniya" (Boiling Point) technology and innovation center.
From Moscow, the King of Malaysia will travel to Tatarstan. In Kazan, an official meeting with Rais (Head) of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov and a visit to the Kazan Helicopter Plant are planned, Bernama reported.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the Rais RT
Based on materials from RIA Novosti