His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim Tours Hermitage Museum with President Putin, Deepening Malaysia–Russia Ties
Kuala Lumpur, The Gulf Observer: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, was warmly received by Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, in a meeting underscoring Russia’s high regard for the longstanding friendly ties between the two nations.
The visit highlighted the pivotal role of the Malaysian Royal Institution in advancing national diplomacy and enhancing bilateral relations between Malaysia and Russia.
Established in 1755, the Hermitage Museum is one of the world’s largest and oldest art and cultural institutions, housing more than three million works of art and invaluable historical artefacts.
During the visit, His Majesty, accompanied by President Putin, viewed part of the museum’s historic collections and world-class artworks on display. A post on Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar’s official Facebook page stated: “This inaugural special visit by His Majesty to St. Petersburg was made at the special invitation of President Putin, symbolising the important role of the Malaysian Royal Institution as a catalyst for national diplomacy,” Bernama reported.
Last August, Sultan Ibrahim made history by becoming the first Malaysian head of state to undertake a state visit to the Russian Federation since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1967, when he visited Moscow. His Majesty also visited Kazan in the Republic of Tatarstan last year, further strengthening friendship and cooperation between Malaysia and Russia.
