Rais of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov held a meeting with Malaysia's King Sultan Ibrahim at the Kazan Kremlin on Thursday. The Malaysian monarch is visiting Kazan as part of his first official trip to Russia, following talks with President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.
Minnikhanov emphasized Malaysia's important role in the Islamic world and its contribution to global stability, noting the country's position as one of Russia's key partners in the Asia-Pacific region. “Malaysia's chairmanship of ASEAN this year will undoubtedly help strengthen regional security and promote economic and socio-cultural cooperation,” Tatarstan's leader said. “We hope Russian-Malaysian relations will continue developing, and Tatarstan is ready to actively contribute to this.”
The rais highlighted Malaysia's expertise in Islamic finance, halal products and services, which attracts worldwide interest, including from Russia. He thanked the king for the warm reception given to Tatarstan delegations visiting Malaysia in August and December last year. During the December visit, Minnikhanov chaired a meeting of the Group of Strategic Vision “Russia-Islamic World” in Kuala Lumpur.
Minnikhanov noted that Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim participated as guest of honor in May's KazanForum and the GSV “Russia-Islamic World” meeting. “We were pleased to host a special Russia-Malaysia roundtable during the forum and look forward to welcoming Malaysian delegations again next May,” he added.
A high-level Malaysian delegation participated in the BRICS summit held successfully in October 2024 in Tatarstan's capital. Malaysia subsequently became a BRICS partner country.
Minnikhanov noted the republic maintains ties with several Malaysian states, particularly Johor and Sarawak. Mutual trade turnover showed growth last year, with positive trends continuing this year. Minnikhanov emphasized Tatarstan's readiness to collaborate with Malaysian companies in oil/gas and petrochemical sectors, including potential partnerships for the Zelenodolsk Shipyard.
He also highlighted promising cooperation in agriculture, halal industry and high-tech sectors. He specifically invited Malaysian colleagues to attend this September's Kazan Digital Week international forum.
The rais emphasized youth cooperation as crucial for long-term Russia-Malaysia relations. The international network of diplomatic clubs under the “Movement of the First” now includes over 300 schools from 24 countries, including 12 Malaysian institutions.
“Your youth programs are truly unique,” Minnikhanov said. “Last December we visited Malaysia's National Youth Council and Kuala Lumpur's International Youth Center. Currently, active Malaysian students are visiting Tatarstan for the 'Friends' international camp, with 20 Tatar and 10 Malaysian students. This fall, we'll hold a joint camp in Kuala Lumpur for 200 students from both regions.”
Minnikhanov invited Malaysian partners to participate in Kazan's 2026 program as Cultural Capital of the Islamic World. He noted Tatarstan serves as Russia's pilot region for Islamic banking: “Malaysia's expertise in Islamic finance is invaluable. Last August, Tatar officials completed training in Malaysia on 'Public Policy and Islamic Finance' — we're grateful for this opportunity.”
The rais wished the king a pleasant stay, reaffirming commitment to mutually beneficial cooperation within Russian-Malaysian relations.
“My dear friend! I'm deeply touched by your warm hospitality,” responded the Malaysian king. “My constructive meeting with President Putin included high praise for Tatarstan's natural beauty and technological achievements.”
The king confirmed this visit demonstrates Malaysia's commitment to strengthening ties with Tatarstan, praising the GSV “Russia-Islamic World” work. He noted particular potential in economic cooperation (petrochemicals, innovations, halal sector), academic exchanges and restored Russia-Malaysia flights to boost tourism/commerce.
“I hope to welcome more Tatar students and tourists to Malaysia. This visit will undoubtedly give new momentum to our relations,” he concluded.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the Rais RT
Based on materials from the Press Service of the Rais RT