KUALA LUMPUR: Russia has described Malaysia as a strategic and trusted partner in strengthening regional cooperation, praising its leadership as Asean chair and host of the 46th Asean Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) General Assembly.
Head of the Russian Delegation of the 46th AIPA General Assembly, Sholban Kara-Ool, also commended Malaysia’s pragmatic approach in setting the agenda and its initiatives to tackle pressing regional challenges, such as digital transformation, ecological sustainability, and economic recovery.
“Malaysia plays a key role in regional diplomacy and economic cooperation. That is why our President, Mr Vladimir Putin, pays great attention to strengthening ties with Malaysia,” he told Bernama on the sidelines of the 46th AIPA General Assembly.
The Assembly is being held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from Sept 16 to Sept 22, 2025.
Sholban, who is also the Deputy Chairman of the State Duma of the Russian Federation, highlighted the growing momentum in bilateral relations following two historic high-level visits this year – by King of Malaysia, Sultan Ibrahim, and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim – to Russia, which resulted in the signing of several cooperation agreements.
Sultan Ibrahim, who ascended the federal throne on Jan 31, 2024, made his maiden state visit to Russia in August, at the invitation of Putin.
The visit has been described as historic as it is the first state visit by a Malaysian Head of State to Russia since diplomatic relations were established in 1967.
Earlier in May, Anwar was on an official visit to Russia, marking a diplomatic milestone and strengthening the ties between Kuala Lumpur and Moscow, as it was the first such visit by a Malaysian leader in nearly 20 years.
During the visits, Russia and Malaysia discussed several areas for closer cooperation, including the establishment of direct flights between Moscow and Kuala Lumpur, as well as resolving challenges related to financial transactions and trade settlements.
According to Sholban, direct air connectivity would significantly boost tourism and economic exchange, adding that countries with such links had seen a substantial increase in Russian tourist arrivals.
“The presence of direct flights between Moscow and cities like Bangkok has allowed Thailand to attract more Russian tourists. We believe Malaysia has the same potential, and we are ready to work together to make this a reality,” he said.
Russia also acknowledged Malaysia’s leadership in steering AIPA discussions on future-oriented issues, including legislative responses to digitalisation and environmental transformation.
The delegation said that Malaysia’s ability to combine economic dynamism with social stability offered valuable lessons, particularly in how legislative frameworks can support balanced and inclusive development.
“We are very interested in how Malaysia regulates digital and ecological transformation through legislation, as we believe the human being must always remain at the centre of policymaking,” Sholban said.
Sholban also welcomed Malaysia’s initiatives to strengthen people-to-people ties, including youth exchanges and educational collaboration, of which currently, 750 Malaysian students are studying in Russia, where 250 of them are fully sponsored by the Russian government.
As part of efforts to enhance parliamentary diplomacy, a high-level meeting between the Speaker of Malaysia’s Parliament and the Chair of Russia’s Federation Council is scheduled for October.
“Malaysia’s chairmanship of Asean this year reflects a clear commitment to regional peace, prosperity, and constructive dialogue. We are pleased to support this effort and deepen our collaboration,” he said.
The 46th AIPA General Assembly brings together lawmakers from Asean member states and dialogue partners to promote legislative cooperation and address shared regional challenges. – BERNAMA
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
