Langkawi: Malaysia and Russia continue to strengthen bilateral ties in higher education, science, and technology through the 4th Joint Malaysia-Russia Commission for Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation (JC-ESTC) Meeting. The meeting, chaired by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir and Russian Minister of Science and Higher Education Valery Falkov, was held at the Langkawi International Convention Centre on Monday and Tuesday.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the JC-ESTC, established in 2015, serves as a key platform to enhance strategic relations between Malaysia and Russia. In the same statement, Zambry said the meeting reflected significant progress in enhancing bilateral relations grounded in long-standing friendship, mutual respect, and shared aspirations.

‘This cooperation not only enhances higher education, science and technology, but also creates opportunities in energy, halal industries, Islamic finance and green technology that benefit both countries,’ he said.

Meanwhile, MOHE said the JC-ESTC meeting resulted in several key outcomes, including the partial abolition of visa requirements, efforts to continue direct flights between Malaysia and Russia, and the awarding of 40 annual scholarships by the Russian government to Malaysian students. Agreements were also reached on peaceful energy and nuclear cooperation, exploration of renewable energy and sustainable waste management, as well as the diversification of trade and investment in the aerospace sector, halal industry, and green technology.

MOHE added that Malaysia and Russia continue to expand cooperation in higher education through 34 strategic agreements, comprising 21 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), 10 Letters of Intent (LoIs), and three roadmaps involving higher education institutions, government agencies, and companies from both countries. ‘Malaysia also looks forward to the 5th JC-ESTC Meeting in Russia next year to further strengthen the momentum achieved in Langkawi,’ the ministry said.