MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold talks with Malaysian King, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim on Aug 6 in Moscow, marking the first-ever state visit by a Malaysian Head of State to Russia since diplomatic ties were established in 1967, TASS news agency reported.
According to the Kremlin press service, the meeting will focus on strengthening Russian-Malaysian relations and addressing current international and regional developments.
“Talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Sultan Ibrahim are scheduled for Aug in Moscow.
“The two leaders will discuss further developing Russian-Malaysian relations and current international and regional issues,” the Kremlin said in a statement.
In a statement issued earlier on Saturday, Malaysia’s Istana Negara said His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim will undertake the state visit from Aug 5 to 10 at the invitation of Putin.
The Malaysian monarch will be accorded a state welcome ceremony at the Kremlin, followed by official talks with Putin and attendance at a state banquet hosted by the Russian leader.
Istana Negara also said the visit reflects the important role of the Malaysian monarchy in advancing the nation’s diplomacy and will open new avenues for cooperation in areas such as trade, higher education, technology, innovation, and people-to-people ties.
As Malaysia assumes the Asean Chairmanship in 2025, the visit is also expected to enhance strategic cooperation, particularly with Russia as an Asean Dialogue Partner since 1996, Bernama reported.
Putin had extended the invitation to the King during his meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the Kremlin on May 14.
Malaysia is a federal elective monarchy, with the King elected to a five-year term by the Conference of Rulers.
Sultan Ibrahim, the Sultan of Malaysia’s southern state Johor, assumed the throne in 2024.
– Bernama
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