On May 18, within the Forum "Russia - Islamic World: KazanForum", the work of the "Russia-Malaysia" section was held. It was organized by the Trade Representation of the Russian Federation in Malaysia and the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation.
Malaysia is one of the leading partners of Russia in Southeast Asia.
Recent years have seen progressive development of Russian-Malaysian relations as well as strengthening of cooperation in the field of security, stability and sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region. How can cooperation with Russia help cope with the new challenges the economies of the Asia-Pacific region face? What are the prospects for cooperation in science and education between the two countries? What measures are being taken by Malaysia to attract more tourists from Russia?
These and other questions were discussed at the "Russia-Malaysia" section at the Kazan Economic Forum.
The moderator of the section was Executive Director of Russia-ASEAN Business Council Daniyar Akkaziev.
The first speaker was Russian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Malaysia Nail Latypov.
He noted that Russia and Malaysia support the dialogue at the political level and cooperation within the framework of international organizations. Both states have similar or coordinated positions on a number of issues, including combating terrorism, supporting multipolarity in the world and strengthening the role of the United Nations. Malaysia also supports Russia's Eastern Partnership initiative and cooperates with Russia in APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) and other regional organizations.
Nail Latypov added that ties between Russia and Malaysia in the context of the Islamic world and its values play a critical role in the overall set of bilateral relations. "Russia attaches great importance to maintaining a friendly dialogue with Malaysia, which is our important partner in the Asia-Pacific region and in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. We deeply respect Malaysia's independent foreign policy, which is built on the principles of neutrality and readiness to cooperate with all interested partners," the speaker stressed.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture of the Russian Federation Sergey Levin spoke about cooperation between Russia and Malaysia in the field of agriculture. He said that Malaysia is one of the largest importers of agricultural products from Russia, such as grain, oilseeds, meat and dairy products. Malaysia, in turn, exports various agricultural products to Russia, including palm oil, rice and fruits. Russia and Malaysia cooperate in exchanging experience and transferring agricultural technology. Russian companies and experts provide consultancy to improve the productivity, efficiency and quality of the agricultural processes in Malaysia.
It is known that Russia and Malaysia are also developing cooperation on investment in agriculture. Russian companies can invest in agricultural projects in Malaysia, including infrastructure development, introduction of new technologies and modernization of production facilities. This contributes to the development of the agricultural sector in Malaysia and job creation.
Addressing the forum, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security of Malaysia Mohamad Sabu said that Malaysia is considering the opportunities and potential for exports to Russia of tropical fruits and halal food products.
He also informed that during his planned bilateral meetings with Russian Minister of Agriculture Dmitry Patrushev in Moscow and Minister of Agriculture and Food of the Republic of Tatarstan Marat Zyabbarov he intends to discuss cooperation and access to the Russian market of agricultural products from Malaysia.
Russia and Malaysia also cooperate in education and culture. The exchange of students, scientific programs and cultural delegations contributes to a closer understanding and interaction between the peoples of the two countries. Many Malaysian students choose Russia for higher education and to study culture and art. Learning the Russian language and literature is also actively promoted in Malaysia, which contributes to strengthening cultural ties between the two countries. Reciprocal cultural events, such as festivals, exhibitions and concerts, also help expand the exchange and strengthen cultural understanding. Minister of Higher Education of Malaysia Mohamed Khaled Nordin discussed this at the forum.
Deputy Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation Dmitry Volvach said that trade and economic relations between Russia and Malaysia have significantly strengthened in recent years. Both countries are implementing programs to develop mutual trade and investment. Malaysia, as one of the largest economies in Southeast Asia, is an important trading partner for Russia. The main goods that are exported from Russia to Malaysia are energy products, including oil and gas, as well as metals and chemical products. In turn, Malaysia exports cars, electronics, rubber and palm oil to Russia. Both states are actively developing cooperation in high-tech, innovation and space industries.
Russia's trade and economic ties with the Islamic world have been a high priority for the past 10 years. Objective economic factors show a significant increase in the volume of trade between Russia and the countries of the Islamic world. Russia's accession to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in 2005 as an observer state at the initiative of President Vladimir Putin actually marks the return of Russia to the role of a reliable partner for the countries of the Islamic world.
Among the participants of the section were such distinguished guests from Malaysia as Azman Mohd Yusof, General Secretary (Deputy Minister) of the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs of Malaysia; Wan Ahmad Fayhsal bin Wan Ahmad Kamal, Member of the Parliament, Youth Chief of Malaysian United Indigenous Party; William Ng, Chairman of Small and Medium Enterprises Association of Malaysia; Sirajuddin Sukhaimi, Deputy Director General of Islamic Development Department of Malaysia; Sani Araby, Chairman of Siaga X Group, CEO of the Malaysian Advisory Council of Islamic Organizations; Mohammed Abdul Khalid, former Economic Adviser to Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.
The representatives of the Malaysian delegation in their speeches said that the relationship between Russia and Malaysia is characterized as a strategic partnership, based on mutual benefit and mutual respect. The development of trade and economic relations, cooperation in the field of education and culture, security and defense, as well as political dialogue and international cooperation are key aspects of this partnership.
The speakers also addressed the topic of tourism. Malaysia is taking measures to simplify visa regime for Russian tourists. The introduction of the electronic visa (e-visa) or visa-free regime for a certain period of time may greatly facilitate the process of obtaining a visa and attract more tourists from Russia.
Malaysia is actively investing in the development of its tourism infrastructure. Building new hotels, developing tourist routes, improving the quality of services and creating comfortable conditions for tourists are priority tasks for attracting more Russian tourists.
Russia and Malaysia continue to actively develop their relations striving for further cooperation and mutual support. Both states realize the importance of enhancing regional stability and security as well as mutual economic growth.
In the future, Russia and Malaysia can further expand areas of cooperation, such as infrastructure development, energy sector, scientific and technological cooperation and space industry. The exchange of experience and knowledge in these areas can lead to mutual prosperity and well-being of both states.
The speakers emphasized that the relationship between Russia and Malaysia is an example of a successful strategic partnership based on mutual trust and mutual benefit. The two countries continue to develop cooperation in various fields, which contributes to the growth and prosperity of both nations. Stability and cooperation between Russia and Malaysia play an important role in maintaining peace and security in the Southeast Asian region.