During Wednesday's Kremlin meeting with Malaysia's King Sultan Ibrahim, President Vladimir Putin expressed gratitude for Kuala Lumpur's efforts in deepening Russia's connections across Southeast Asia.
"Malaysia has been instrumental in advancing our relations not just bilaterally, but throughout the entire region," Putin told the monarch, acknowledging Malaysia's current leadership role in ASEAN - a key priority for Russia's Asian diplomacy.
The president specifically praised Malaysia's work in the Group of Strategic Vision "Russia-Islamic World", calling it "an important bridge for mutual understanding" between Russia and Muslim nations.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from RIA Novosti