Russian President Vladimir Putin received Malaysia’s King, Sultan Ibrahim ibni Sultan Iskandar, at the Kremlin with a formal state ceremony. The Malaysian monarch is in Russia for an official state visit—the highest level in diplomatic protocol.
The welcoming event was held in St. George’s Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace, a space renowned for its association with Russian heroism and military tradition. As the ceremony began, members of both the Russian and Malaysian delegations were assembled along the hall’s windows. The King of Malaysia ascended the ceremonial staircase to make his entrance.
President Putin and Sultan Ibrahim entered the hall from opposite directions—Putin from the Vladimir Hall and the King from the Anteroom—meeting in the center on a red carpet beneath the national flags. They exchanged a firm handshake as the presidential fanfare played.
The national anthems of Russia and Malaysia were performed by the orchestra, after which the two leaders greeted members of the delegations. This marks the first time a Malaysian Head of State has visited Russia since diplomatic relations were established between Russia and Malaysia in 1967.
Despite the event’s formal nature, a state visit is a unique and significant diplomatic occasion—traditionally allowed only once per term in office. In republics, this can occur anew with each elected term.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Kristina Kormilitsyna/POOL/TASS
Based on TASS materials