Malaysia eyes up to US$10bil in trade, investment with Russia
KAZAN: Malaysia could unlock up to US$10 billion in trade and investment opportunities with Russia over the next five years as both countries intensify bilateral cooperation across strategic sectors, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's aide.
Political secretary to the prime minister Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim said Anwar's official visit to Russia had laid the groundwork for substantial economic collaboration, particularly in high-tech industries and halal trade.
"There is tremendous investment potential in the years ahead and if all moves in the right direction, we foresee between US$5 billion to US$10 billion in realisable trade and investment flows between Malaysia and Russia," he said.
Kamil was speaking to Malaysian reporters at the Kazan Kremlin during the prime minister's meeting with Rais (head) of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov.
Anwar's visit to Kazan marks the second leg of his four-day official trip to Russia, which began in Moscow on May 13.
Kamil said Russia's technological strengths, particularly in aerospace, artificial intelligence and halal manufacturing, aligned well with Malaysia's development priorities.
One of the key developments, he added, would be the soon-to-be-resumed direct flight service by Russian airline Aeroflot between Moscow and Kuala Lumpur, a move expected to boost two-way tourism and facilitate business travel.
"This is significant, especially considering the sharp increase in tourist arrivals between both countries over the past two years," Kamil said.
"We see real demand and the reopening of this route will further catalyse economic and people-to-people exchanges."
Among the outcomes of the visit was a letter of intent signed by the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry to begin importing meat products from Russia.
In return, Malaysia will assist Russia in enhancing its halal certification capabilities, an area where Malaysia is widely recognised as a global leader.
Kamil also confirmed that more memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were in the pipeline, covering sectors such as digital technology, education and agri-innovation.
"Both governments have pledged to act swiftly on previously signed MoUs and are committed to following through," he said.
On Western sanctions against Russia, Kamil said Malaysia would continue to oppose unilateral measures and uphold its independent foreign policy stance.
"Malaysia does not support unilateral sanctions and continues to seek constructive solutions to facilitate smoother cross-border transactions with Russia," he said.
Despite current geopolitical challenges, including financial transaction barriers due to sanctions, Kamil said both governments were working closely to overcome obstacles.
On trade performance, he said that it remained on an upward trajectory, driven by Russia's growing exports to Malaysia and increased engagement from both public and private sectors.
"This visit is a remarkable success for Malaysia," Kamil said.
"In the current global climate, this is an extraordinary achievement and a bold move by the prime minister to assert Malaysia's independent foreign policy while protecting national interest."
He added that the MH17 issue, which resurfaced in international discourse ahead of Anwar's visit, was raised directly with President Vladimir Putin.
This, he said, underscored Malaysia's firm commitment to justice for the victims without politicising the tragedy.
"The prime minister clearly conveyed Malaysia's position and Putin responded with a commitment to cooperate with an independent and credible investigation."
Anwar's official visit to Russia is set to conclude on May 16, with the final leg centred on engagements in Kazan, including a keynote address at the KazanForum 2025 plenary session.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Barnama
5 hours ago
- Barnama
Ties Within BRICS Strengthening, Mutual Trade Growing
ST. PETERSBURG, June 20 (Bernama-RIA Novosti) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday that ties within BRICS are strengthening and mutual trade is growing, with the trade turnover of the participating countries already exceeding US$1 trillion. "Special attention is being paid to strengthening ties within BRICS. The mutual trade turnover between our countries has already exceeded US$1 trillion and continues to grow. All of these are elements of a global growth platform. 'And they are based on the key principles of BRICS. And this is consensus, parity, and consideration of interests towards each other," Putin said at a plenary session of the 2025 St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), Sputnik/RIA Novosti reported.
The Star
5 hours ago
- The Star
Putin says 'the whole of Ukraine is ours' in theory, may take city of Sumy
Russia's President Vladimir Putin speaks during a plenary session of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) in Saint Petersburg, Russia, June 20, 2025. REUTERS/Anton Vaganov ST PETERSBURG (Reuters) -President Vladimir Putin said on Friday that Russians and Ukrainians were one people, "and in that sense the whole of Ukraine is ours," and said he did not rule out Russia taking control of the Ukrainian city of Sumy. But Putin, speaking at an international economic forum in St Petersburg, said Russia had never doubted Ukraine's right to sovereignty, but noted that when Ukraine declared its independence in 1991 it was as a "neutral state". Putin, who says Russia is fighting in Ukraine to protect its own security, was answering a question about Russia's war aims. "We have a saying, or a parable," Putin said. "Where the foot of a Russian soldier steps, that is ours." Kyiv and its Western allies have rejected Moscow's claims to four Ukrainian regions and Crimea as illegal, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has repeatedly rejected the notion that Russians and Ukrainians are one people. Putin said Russian forces were carving out a buffer zone in Ukraine's Sumy region in order to protect Russian territory and said he did not rule out those same troops taking control of the regional capital of Sumy. (Reporting by Volodya Soldatkin; Writing by Lucy PapachristouEditing by Andrew Osborn)
The Star
5 hours ago
- The Star
Asean news headlines as at 10pm on Friday (June 20)
Malaysia * Najib's DNAA: Material documents unavailable because held up in 1MDB trial, says AGC * Najib freed in RM27mil SRC trial but not cleared * PM: Najib's DNAA solely a judicial matter * 'Economy grew better than expected', PM defends reforms * Iran evacuation: Wisma Putra finalising efforts, M'sians to leave Iran today * Meru shooting: 46-year-old man found dead in 4WD, cops seeking public help for info * SST on commercial rental will impact retail sector, says MRCA * Bernama chairman Wong Chun Wai named national journalism laureate * Malaysia's trade remains on growth trend in May * MasterChef finalist, ex-husband jailed 34 years for maid's murder * UM climbs to 58th place * Malaysia proposes Asean Institute * Selangor Ruler: Stop using the term 'Sisters in Islam' * SIS wins appeal against fatwa * PM: JS-SEZ stands out globally due to trust and stability * Sabah minister in the crosshairs * RON95 price will not be raised, assures Anwar * Nationwide clampdown begins on illegal tourism players * Tariff talks on track, says Anwar * Govt committed to reducing national deficit, says PM * JPJ to audit 500 bus and lorry operators from June 23 in special ops * Mohd Khalid Ismail appointed as new IGP * New IGP to leverage AI in modernising police force * Hamzah Zainudin's mother-in-law dies in house fire * Woman survives fall from seventh floor of Ipoh apartment * Pearly says the ball is in BAM's court * No more imported food at official events, PM tells civil service * 'Queen of Dangdut' Zaleha Hamid passes away at 70 * Malaysian women archers stun India to strike gold at Asian Cup * Herry challenges Aaron-Wooi Yik to reach world No. 1 before world meet * Malaysia shine with four golds in SEA karate meet Singapore * Passenger sues SIA after allergic reaction, claims served meal containing shrimp despite warning crew * Jail for cop who told woman he could help with her drug case if she had sex with him * S'poreans can test for genetic condition causing high cholesterol levels under new programme * Singaporean radio DJ Glenn Ong says he was 'unhappily married' in Instagram post on weight loss * Seah Kian Peng to be nominated again as Speaker of Singapore Parliament; Indranee Rajah will remain Leader of the House * Fire breaks out on oil tanker anchored in eastern Singapore; no injuries reported * One ticket wins S$12.3mil Toto jackpot draw * Siti Nurhaliza to debut new song at Singapore concert Thailand * Thai PM faces call to step down to avert coalition revolt * People's Party rules out forming government with Anutin as PM * Thai PM visits troops as rivals plan new protests for her outster * Love-seeking Thai women visit breast-shaped island, offering bras as thanks if wishes granted * Thai defence minister dodges question on blacklisting Hun Sen, urges unity and political stability * Thailand's economy teeters as political turmoil threatens recovery efforts * Thai PM to meet army commander to defuse political crisis * Thailand's 'Yellow Shirts' return to streets, demand PM quit * Thailand credits prey releases for 'extraordinary' tiger recovery Indonesia * Chinese tourist drowns off Indonesia's pink beach after skipping life jacket to pose for camera * Indonesia mobilises cross-border efforts to combat malaria in Papua * Uncooked rice, ultra-processed food included in free meals programme * Tiny homes for young urbanites draw criticism over livability * This indeed a grand outing: two icons, one song - local legend Misha Omar and Indonesian star Melly Goeslaw unite for 'Break' Superman fans dressed in costumes posing during an event as part of the first stop of the Superman World Tour in Pasig city, Philippines on Thursday June 19, 2025. - AP Philippines * Public transportation will be better by the end of 2025, says Marcos * 'Wait and see,' says Philippine palace to fugitive Harry Roque's 'come and get me' taunt * Philippine Navy seizes US$175mil meth haul at sea * Soldier, three rebel suspects killed in southern Philippine clash Vietnam * Vietnam to appoint leaders for newly-merged localities * PM orders urgent action to prepare for storm season * Vietnam's war-themed coffee chain: Where hipsters meet Vietcong * Vietnam's top leader plans US trip as tariff deadline looms * Vietnam, US hold negotiations on new trade deal, ministry says Cambodia * Cambodia continues efforts to establish a Legacy Institution for genocide prevention, education * Hun Manet urges Malaysia, Cambodia to bolster tourism synergy * Cambodian cookbook wins award in Portugal Myanmar * Covid-19 cases rise to 52 this week, highest in Mon State * Authorities take action after video of student being assaulted in southwestern Myanmar goes viral on social media * Myanmar junta battles guerillas for control of jade hub Laos * Laos strives to develop strong tourism growth * Health ministry inks deal with S. Korea to build new medical university Brunei * Brunei cracks down on int'l drug cartel * Brunei temporarily closes embassy in Teheran * Brunei team brings glory in SEAKF meet Anti-Israel protesters holding placards as they demonstrate against the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran near the Israeli Embassy in Tokyo on June 20, 2025. - AFP Aseanplus * China condemns British warship's 'troublemaking' Taiwan Strait transit * South Korea's Cabinet approves universal cash grant amid controversy * 87 Japanese nationals, family members evacuated from Iran, Israel * Leaders of China, New Zealand discuss trade, Pacific security * Ramos-Horta: Timor-Leste ready to contribute to regional stability * South Korea says SK and Amazon to invest $5 billion in country's biggest data centre * 'Cyborg' Chinese woman with rare disorder lives on feeding tube, stays optimistic * New S. Korean President's call for public to suggest Cabinet members 'more than a populist move' * Australian trial says tech for social media teen ban can work * S. Korean taxi driver under fire for sexually harassing Thai tourist * N. Korea flag disrupts S. Korea church livestream in 'hacking incident' * Monsters and memes: Labubu dolls ride China soft-power wave * billionaire's viral stunt reignites China's food-delivery feud * Rice prices double in Japan as inflation accelerates * Where is Trump's 'all-American' phone made? Analysts point to Asia * Japan's core inflation hits 2-year high, keeps rate-hike bets alive * Hong Kong singer Tommy Yuen arrested for allegedly stealing snacks worth HK$140 * Star singer Hael Husaini overjoyed as tickets for solo concert almost sold out; celebrates by inviting more 'friends' on stage for big show * Ju Hak-nyeon, formerly of K-pop boy band The Boyz, denies paying for sex * Stephen Chow cuddles up to Carina Lau in new photo; fans think a movie collaboration is in the works
