Anwar Ibrahim’s Landmark Visit to Russia Poised to Strengthen Bilateral Ties

Moscow, The Gulf Observer: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has embarked on a historic four-day official visit to the Russian Federation, marking the first such visit by a Malaysian leader in nearly two decades and signaling a new chapter in Kuala Lumpur–Moscow diplomatic relations.

Malaysian Ambassador to Russia, Datuk Cheong Loon Lai, described the visit as a “highly significant milestone,” both in its historical context and in terms of the strengthening bilateral partnership. The last official visit by a Malaysian Prime Minister occurred in June 2007 under the leadership of the late Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

“This visit is historic and meaningful for the Russian side as it is the first official visit by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim since taking office. The last such visit took place nearly 20 years ago—it has been a very long gap,” Cheong told Malaysian media in Moscow on Tuesday.

The visit comprises two main segments: beginning in the Russian capital, Moscow, and concluding in Kazan, the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan.

Prime Minister Anwar is accompanied by a high-level ministerial delegation including Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Li Kang, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, and Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.

Upon arrival at Vnukovo-2 International Airport, Anwar received a ceremonial welcome including an inspection of a Guard of Honour. He later attended a gathering with the Malaysian diaspora in Russia.

On the second day, the Prime Minister is set to preside over a high-level roundtable session with more than 20 registered Russian companies, aimed at exploring deeper economic and industrial cooperation.

A key component of the visit will be Anwar’s meeting with his Russian counterpart, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, at the Government House—commonly referred to as Russia’s “White House”—where discussions are expected to focus on enhancing economic cooperation, trade, and investment.

Prime Minister Anwar will also hold a bilateral meeting with President Vladimir Putin. Their dialogue is anticipated to explore collaborative opportunities across multiple sectors including agriculture, education, aerospace, energy, and agro-commodities. Regional and international developments of mutual interest will also be addressed.

A major academic highlight of the visit will take place at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), where Anwar is scheduled to deliver a public lecture. In recognition of his contributions to international cooperation and global peace, the institution will confer upon him an Honorary Doctorate.

The second half of the visit in Kazan includes talks with the Head of the Republic of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov, and participation in the Strategic Vision Group’s “Russia–Islamic World” meeting. On Thursday, Anwar will deliver a keynote address at the forum.

The visit will culminate with Anwar’s keynote speech at the 16th KazanForum plenary session—Russia’s premier platform for economic engagement with Islamic nations.

Russia remains one of Malaysia’s most significant European trade partners. In 2024, Russia ranked as Malaysia’s ninth-largest trading partner in Europe, with total trade valued at RM11.46 billion (USD2.48 billion).

The Prime Minister’s visit is widely viewed as a strategic move to revitalise Malaysia–Russia relations, and to unlock new avenues of cooperation across diverse sectors.