Anwar to wrap up Moscow leg, heads to Kazan for strategic talks
KAZAN: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim begins the third day of his official visit to Russia with a prestigious public lecture at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO).
Anwar is also scheduled to receive an honorary doctorate from MGIMO, Russia's premier diplomatic academy, in recognition of his leadership and contributions to international engagement.
The event marks the final stop of his Moscow leg before departing for the Republic of Tatarstan.
From the Russian capital, Anwar will fly to Kazan, the capital of the Muslim-majority region, for a full day of high-level meetings and halal economy diplomacy.
He is scheduled to meet the Rais (head) of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov, at the historic Kazan Kremlin, where discussions are expected to focus on expanding cooperation in halal certification, agrotechnology, Islamic finance and education, among others.
The prime minister is accompanied by five senior ministers, including Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.
Anwar is also expected to tour the Kazan Kremlin complex, a Unesco World Heritage Site, before visiting two major exhibitions at Kazan Expo, the Technology Exhibition and the Russia Halal Expo 2025.
Both exhibitions are seen as strategic platforms for Malaysia to explore new partnerships in halal trade, digital innovation and resilient supply chains.
The day will conclude with a gala reception in conjunction with KazanForum 2025, where Anwar is set to deliver a keynote address during the plenary session the following day.
The Kazan leg of the visit underscores Malaysia's growing commitment to Islamic economic diplomacy, while reinforcing Anwar's broader foreign policy emphasis on multipolar cooperation and South-South engagement.
Anwar is on a four-day official visit to Russia, which runs until May 16.
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If Anwar's policies can stabilise the economy, lower inflation, and protect the poor, then let him enjoy his avocado. If Najib's quinoa came with billion-ringgit scandals, then no amount of quinoa can redeem that taste. And if Muda can only offer critiques based on food preferences, then perhaps it is time for them to go back to the kitchen – and cook up better policies. Because for most Malaysians, the question remains simple – can I still afford breakfast next month? anwar ibrahim cost of living economy Madani malaysia SST tax
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