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RUSSIA has described Malaysia as a “trusted and strategic partner” in Southeast Asia, lauding its leadership as Chair of ASEAN and host of the 46th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) General Assembly, currently underway in Kuala Lumpur.
Sholban Kara-Ool, Head of the Russian Delegation to AIPA and Deputy Chairman of the State Duma, commended Malaysia’s “pragmatic and forward-looking” approach to regional challenges, particularly in digital transformation, ecological sustainability, and economic recovery.
“Malaysia plays a vital role in regional diplomacy and economic cooperation. That is why our President, Vladimir Putin, places strong emphasis on strengthening ties with Malaysia,” Kara-Ool told Bernama on the sidelines of the assembly, which runs from 16 to 22 September.
His remarks come on the back of renewed momentum in Malaysia-Russia relations, marked by two high-profile visits this year—by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim in August and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in May. Both visits resulted in the signing of new cooperation agreements, signalling a fresh chapter in diplomatic ties.
Sultan Ibrahim’s trip was the first-ever State Visit by a Malaysian Head of State to Russia since diplomatic relations were established in 1967. The King's audience with President Putin was seen as a historic milestone in bilateral relations.
Anwar’s earlier official visit, the first by a Malaysian Prime Minister to Russia in nearly two decades, saw the two nations explore closer cooperation in trade, direct air connectivity, and financial transactions.
Kara-Ool emphasised that a direct flight route between Moscow and Kuala Lumpur would provide a significant boost to tourism and economic exchange.
“Countries with such connectivity, like Thailand via Bangkok, have seen a sharp increase in Russian tourist arrivals. We believe Malaysia holds similar potential and are ready to work together to realise it,” he said.
Russia also acknowledged Malaysia’s role in shaping AIPA discussions on future-oriented issues, such as legislative responses to digitalisation and environmental change. Kara-Ool noted Malaysia’s ability to balance economic dynamism with social stability, saying it offered a valuable legislative model for inclusive development.
“We are very interested in how Malaysia regulates digital and ecological transformation through legislation, because we believe people must always remain at the centre of policymaking,” he said.
He also welcomed Malaysia’s push for stronger people-to-people ties through youth exchanges and education. Currently, over 750 Malaysian students are studying in Russia, with 250 on full scholarships from the Russian government.
As part of efforts to deepen parliamentary diplomacy, a high-level meeting between the Malaysian Speaker of Parliament and the Chair of Russia’s Federation Council is scheduled for October.
“Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship this year reflects a clear commitment to peace, prosperity, and constructive regional dialogue. We are honoured to support these efforts and deepen our cooperation,” Kara-Ool said.
The 46th AIPA General Assembly brings together legislators from ASEAN member states and dialogue partners to enhance legislative collaboration and collectively address regional challenges. - September 20, 2025
