Moscow: The state visit by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia, to Russia from August 5-10 has been described as the highlight of the diplomatic ties between the two countries, said Malaysia's ambassador to Russia, Datuk Cheong Loon Lai. He noted that the visit is the highest-level ever made and the first by a Malaysian Head of State to Russia since diplomatic relations were established in April 1967.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the visit, at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir V. Putin, signifies the recognition of over five decades of diplomatic ties with Malaysia, which was among the earliest ASEAN countries to establish ties with the then Soviet Union. This visit also highlights the crucial role of the institution of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in the context of international relations.
Cheong further explained that the visit will commence in Moscow, where His Majesty is scheduled to hold an official meeting with Putin at the Grand Kremlin Palace. The discussions between both leaders are expected to cover potential cooperation in areas such as trade and investment, higher education, technology and innovation, people-to-people ties, digital transformation, agriculture, and food security, as well as regional and international issues.
"This highest-level visit will certainly have a high impact in increasing the momentum and positive trend of bilateral relations between Malaysia and Russia. It sends the message that Malaysia is serious and committed to efforts to strengthen and improve bilateral relations with Russia in all fields, particularly strategic cooperation and people-to-people ties," he stated.
According to Cheong, Malaysia has always valued its relationship with Russia, which is built on a pragmatic approach, openness, and mutual respect. He added that the Russian government welcomes His Majesty's state visit and has extended its full cooperation and support to ensure its success.
During the visit, Sultan Ibrahim is scheduled to arrive in Moscow on Tuesday (August 5) and will be accorded a state welcome ceremony at the Kremlin on Wednesday, followed by an official meeting with Putin and attending a state banquet hosted by the Russian President. His Majesty is also slated to visit the Russian Automotive Technology Development Company (NAMI) and the Tochka Kipeniya Technology and Innovation Hub.
On Friday (August 8), Sultan Ibrahim will travel to Kazan, the fifth largest city in Russia, to receive an audience from the Rais (Head) of the Republic of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov, at the Kazan Kremlin. Both parties are expected to explore potential collaboration in trade, investment, halal industry sectors, and agricultural technology. His Majesty will also attend a reception ceremony hosted by Minnikhanov and visit the Kazan Helicopter Plant to observe the manufacturing operations of civilian, defense, and rescue helicopters.
Russia is currently Malaysia's ninth-largest trading partner among European countries and 28th globally, with bilateral trade valued at RM11.46 billion (USD2.48 billion) in 2024. For the period January to June 2025, Malaysia-Russia trade volume was recorded at RM4.13 billion (USD945.7 million).