Bloomberg: Malaysia PM praises Putin, pledges to deepen Russia ties

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim meets President Vladimir Putin.
Photo: Kremlin.ru

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim praised President Vladimir Putin for steering Russia’s development and pledged to deepen ties, saying there was “enormous potential” to enhance regional trade relations already focused on semiconductors, Bloomberg informs.

Anwar, who is on a two-day visit to Russia, said it would be to Malaysia’s benefit if Russia shared its achievements and agreed to “collaborate in all fields of endeavor.” The countries are discussing tie-ups ranging from aerospace and advanced technologies to agriculture and food security.

“You have shown your determination to be able to undertake difficulties and survive, and we would certainly benefit from this experience,” Anwar said in a meeting with Putin on Wednesday on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok.

Anwar said Southeast Asian countries belonging to the Asean bloc have always engaged with Russia and there is an “open trade” focusing on semiconductors and other related fields. “I look forward to work with you and your team, but more so, Mr. President, I agree with you. The potential is huge,” he said.

Anwar said on Thursday he accepted a personal invitation from Putin for Malaysia to participate in the October BRICS Summit in Kazan. Joining the bloc, named after Brazil, Russia, India and China and South Africa, would allow Malaysia to “benefit and share” given the nation is a semiconductor hub, he said.

“The global south network of BRICS would give us an opportunity to leverage this,” Anwar said at the plenary session of the forum. The bloc will “ensure there are fair trade practices and that the international financial infrastructure is not monopolized by one country or one region.”

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