KUALA LUMPUR, May 15 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has formally invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to attend the East Asia Summit, which will take place later this year as part of the Asean Summit and related high-level meetings.
KUALA LUMPUR, May 15 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has formally invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to attend the East Asia Summit, which will take place later this year as part of the Asean Summit and related high-level meetings.
During a joint press conference with Putin in Moscow today, Anwar highlighted the potential visit as a meaningful diplomatic gesture, saying it would be a great honour for Malaysia and a significant boost to both bilateral ties and regional diplomacy.
“On behalf of the government and the people, it would truly be a major and memorable event if President Putin could visit Malaysia soon — ideally during the East Asia Summit in October, held alongside the Asean Summit with Dialogue Partners,” Anwar said.
“Your presence would represent a breakthrough not only in Malaysia-Russia relations but for the broader region, where many hold your leadership in high regard,” he added.
The press conference was streamed live on Anwar’s official Facebook page.
Anwar also reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to multilateralism and a rules-based international order, stating, “We discussed various global matters and remain steadfast in our support for multilateral frameworks. We believe in proceeding on the basis of these principles and reject any unilateral actions that may jeopardise peace, security, and established international arrangements.”
He described the meeting with Putin as cordial and constructive, founded on mutual respect and understanding.
“I want to reiterate that Malaysia places high hopes on our relationship with the Russian Federation, and we are eager to see it strengthened through meaningful collaboration and exchanges,” Anwar said.
Their discussions covered a wide spectrum of sectors including education, agriculture, food security, agri-commodities, technology, cybersecurity, energy, and defence — all reflecting a strong commitment to deepening cooperation.
“Despite some outstanding issues driven by global geopolitical shifts, we have chosen to prioritise Malaysia’s and Asean’s central position to determine what best serves our national interests,” he added.
Anwar also expressed gratitude for Russia’s warm hospitality, describing the country as rich in history, culture, and the arts, and admired its legacy of dignity and independence.
“I told President Putin that my appreciation for Russia extends beyond diplomacy — I deeply respect its history, culture, and immense contributions to literature, the arts, and ballet, though I regret missing a performance due to a tight schedule,” he shared.
Earlier, following his meeting with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Anwar noted that both countries remain committed to strengthening bilateral relations and exploring new areas of collaboration, including cultural and scientific exchanges.
The Prime Minister arrived in Moscow on Tuesday for a four-day official visit, before heading to Kazan, Tatarstan, on May 15 for the next leg of his trip. — Bernama
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