Rais of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov met with the Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim. The meeting took place in the Kazan Kremlin and was attended by Tatarstan Prime Minister Aleksei Pesoshin, Russian Deputy Minister of Energy Roman Marshavin, representatives of republican ministries and departments, and heads of major engineering companies.
Before the meeting began, Anwar Ibrahim signed the guest of honor book.
Rustam Minnikhanov thanked the Prime Minister of Malaysia for visiting Tatarstan and participating in KazanForum 2025.
“It is gratifying that a substantial business delegation is taking part in the forum along with you. KazanForum has been held with federal status for three years now and serves as the main platform for building cooperation between Russia and the countries of the Islamic world. It is also a great honor for us that you are participating in the meeting of the Group of Strategic Vision ‘Russia – Islamic World,’” said the Rais of the republic.
The previous offsite session of the Group was held last December in Kuala Lumpur. The Rais of Tatarstan thanked Anwar Ibrahim for his support.
Rustam Minnikhanov emphasized that Tatarstan places great importance on developing cooperation with Malaysia within the framework of friendly Russian–Malaysian relations. He noted growth in mutual trade, as well as cooperation in agriculture, the oil and gas and petrochemical sectors, IT, and other areas.
The Rais of Tatarstan also highlighted the importance of international youth cooperation. In December last year, a delegation from Tatarstan became acquainted with the work of Malaysia’s National Youth Council, which was once headed by Anwar Ibrahim. This autumn, a joint youth camp is planned at the International Youth Center in Kuala Lumpur, bringing together 200 teenagers from Tatarstan and Malaysia.
“Our republic is a pilot region for the implementation of Islamic (partner) banking and finance in Russia. We are also doing significant work to develop the halal industry. These are promising areas for our cooperation. Our colleagues from Malaysia are providing us with great support. We are learning from you and adopting best practices,” said the Rais of the republic.
Anwar Ibrahim thanked Tatarstan for the invitation.
“Yesterday, during my conversation with Vladimir Putin, I said that I absolutely must visit the Republic of Tatarstan. A large delegation has come with us. My team and I are ready to discuss trade and economic matters, the implementation of Islamic banking, and the development of the halal industry. I believe Tatarstan has enormous potential and many ideas to offer. We are ready to work and deepen our cooperation,” said the Prime Minister of Malaysia.
Rustam Minnikhanov emphasized that Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to Kazan is a landmark event.
“We are very pleased to welcome you. Your visit motivates us to work even harder. Our engagement must become more dynamic,” added the Rais of Tatarstan.
The Rais of the republic also presented the Prime Minister with an English-language collection of poems by the renowned Tatar poet Gabdulla Tukay.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of Raisa RT
Based on materials from the Press Service of Raisa RT