Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim addressed a meeting of the Group of Strategic Vision “Russia — Islamic World,” held in the country's capital, Kuala Lumpur. He expressed his gratitude to Russia for its commitment to strengthening ties with the Muslim world and emphasized that this year's meeting, titled “Russia and the Islamic World: Cooperation in the Era of Emerging Multipolarity,” was particularly timely.
“In a world undergoing profound transformations, driven by shifting alliances and rapid technological progress, we aim to establish partnerships that respect sovereignty, uphold justice, and foster sustainable progress for all. The era of multipolarity offers unprecedented opportunities for countries like ours. It promises a fairer distribution of power, moving away from hegemony toward mutual respect and shared benefit. For Muslim-majority countries, this new world order must emphasize the principles of 'Adil' (justice), 'Ihsan' (excellence), and 'Rahmatan Lil-Alamin' (mercy to all creation).
Russia's rich history and unwavering commitment to engaging with the Islamic world have proven its readiness to be a partner in this endeavor. As the Muslim world seeks to strengthen its position on the global stage, partnerships with countries like Russia are of paramount importance. We must harness our shared values to address global challenges and create an inclusive future that values cultural diversity and spiritual principles.
In today's rapidly changing world, we must rethink our approach to cooperation between Russia and the Islamic world. The speed of technological innovation demands quick adaptation, the scale of geopolitical shifts requires comprehensive strategies, and the scope of socio-economic challenges calls for strong partnerships. Simultaneously, crises—whether environmental, economic, or humanitarian—require coordinated and flexible responses.
These frameworks underscore the importance of strengthening ties that are flexible and future-oriented, grounded in shared values and mutual respect. By recognizing the complexity of our times, we can better address emerging issues, such as the plight of oppressed communities, and capitalize on opportunities for cooperation in education, technology, and sustainable development. May this meeting serve as a beacon of unity and resilience as we chart our course through these uncharted waters,” said Anwar Ibrahim.
The Malaysian prime minister emphasized that today’s discussions should focus not only on bilateral benefits but also on the greater good of the Muslim Ummah and humanity as a whole. Issues such as education, economic resilience, technological innovation, and peacebuilding require ongoing attention.
“Education is the cornerstone of progress for any society. In cooperation with Russia, the Muslim world can expand access to high-quality education. Exchange programs, joint research initiatives, and scholarships will open doors for our youth, equipping them with the skills to navigate a complex world. I believe that together, we can also develop e-learning platforms and educational technologies to reach underprivileged communities. This partnership reflects not only a commitment to knowledge but also to the universal Islamic principle of seeking truth and wisdom.
Economic cooperation between Russia and the Islamic world holds vast potential, particularly in the field of Islamic finance. This ethical financial system, based on the principles of justice and collective prosperity, aligns with global aspirations for sustainable development.
As a global leader in Islamic finance, Malaysia is ready to share its expertise and collaborate with Russia in creating robust structures that can serve a diverse global audience. Beyond finance, opportunities exist in green technologies, healthcare, and the halal industry, where joint innovations could lead to mutual growth.
For both Russia and the Islamic world, this is an opportunity to advance these discussions, align our strategies in areas such as digital transformation, food security, climate change, and many others that will bring collective prosperity to the Muslim world.
Among other promising areas of cooperation, the Malaysian prime minister highlighted the following:
Energy Sector: Russia’s strong position in energy production, particularly in oil and gas, aligns with Malaysia’s strategic focus on diversifying energy sources and establishing long-term partnerships in both renewable and non-renewable energy.
Technology and Innovation: Russia’s achievements in aerospace, defense, and digital sectors present opportunities for collaboration that Malaysia can leverage to strengthen its technological ecosystem.
Trade and Investment: Efforts are being made to increase bilateral trade. Russian investments in sectors such as infrastructure, green technologies, and healthcare align closely with Malaysia’s goals for sustainable economic planning.
Education: Strengthening people-to-people ties through expert and student exchanges, as well as research collaboration, is also a priority. Cooperation in education not only enhances diplomatic relations but also builds human capital that supports Malaysia’s goals. This reflects a shared commitment to democratic values, intellectual development, and equal opportunities for both nations. It echoes the principle of promoting inclusive and fair growth through intellectual enrichment. This expanded partnership could make a significant contribution to Malaysia’s pursuit of global excellence in higher education, fostering innovation and mutual understanding between the two countries.
Agriculture and Food Security: Agriculture and food security are fundamental pillars of resilience, especially for the Muslim world, where many countries face challenges such as climate change, population growth, and vulnerabilities in supply chains. Malaysia aims to collaborate with Russia in agricultural technologies and food trade, which are crucial for long-term sustainability. Speaking on food security, Russia’s growing interest in the halal market provides an opportunity for Malaysia, a leader in global halal certification, to establish strong trade partnerships. This cooperation could increase the export of halal food products to Russia and neighboring regions, creating economic opportunities for producers across the Ummah. By aligning halal standards and raising awareness, this partnership could position halal products as a trusted and competitive option in global markets.
Security remains one of the key concerns in today’s unstable world. Cooperation between Russia and the Islamic world in combating terrorism, overcoming humanitarian crises, and ensuring stability will not only protect lives but also strengthen trust between our peoples.
Coming together in the spirit of cooperation and shared values, we must also turn our hearts and minds to the plight of oppressed communities, especially our brothers and sisters in Palestine. The ongoing atrocities committed against the Palestinian people, including the deaths of innocent civilians, the violation of their fundamental human rights, and the continued occupation of their lands, remain a stain on humanity’s conscience. Similarly, Muslim communities in other parts of the world are facing persecution and systemic injustice, which demand our unwavering attention and collective action.
Malaysia is firmly committed to the cause of justice and peace in Palestine and beyond. We believe in the principles of justice and humanity that transcend borders, religions, and politics. It is crucial that this assembly recognizes the shared responsibility of states to unequivocally support the oppressed, uphold international law, and promote solutions based on dialogue and respect. In doing so, we honor the values of mercy to all humanity that are at the core of Islamic teachings.
Our cooperation must include efforts to amplify these voices and eliminate this injustice. Only through unity, protection, and meaningful action can we hope to end the suffering of the oppressed and contribute to a world where dignity, freedom, and peace prevail. This meeting serves as a platform for strengthening interfaith and intercultural harmony. By advocating for dialogue and mutual understanding, we send a clear signal to the world that peace is achievable when countries prioritize unity over division. Malaysia is honored to play a key role in facilitating this dialogue. As a progressive Muslim-majority nation, we are uniquely positioned to bridge cultural divides and strengthen relations that extend beyond traditional boundaries. This is not only our duty but our moral obligation, inspired by the Islamic ethos of promoting peace and mutual understanding between all communities.
Our commitment also extends to supporting initiatives that foster interfaith and intercultural harmony. We believe these efforts are vital not only for bilateral relations but also for the stability and prosperity of the global community. Our shared path to a more just and multipolar world demands that we act with conviction and unity. This meeting is not just an opportunity for discussion; it is a call to action. Together, we can build a future that reflects our shared values, respects our unique identities, and promotes the well-being of all,” concluded the prime minister of Malaysia.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the Rais RT