Exact direction: Putin called the development of dialogue with ASEAN a priority for Russia

Dialogue between Moscow and Kuala Lumpur has been established, and contacts with ASEAN, where Malaysia holds the presidency, remain one of Russia's foreign policy priorities. This was stated by Vladimir Putin on August 6 at talks with the supreme ruler Sultan Ibrahim, who paid the first ever state visit to the Russian Federation. Malaysia perceives the Russian Federation as an important and trustworthy partner, therefore, it seeks to strengthen relations with Moscow further, the king said. The volume of mutual trade between the two countries is showing growth, and has already increased by more than 40% from January to May. What projects Moscow and Kuala Lumpur can develop and what dreams the King of Malaysia told Vladimir Putin about - in the Izvestia article.

How was the first ever visit of the King of Malaysia to Russia?

Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, is on a six-day visit to Russia. He arrived in Moscow the day before and will stay in the country until August 10. Monarch has a busy program in several cities, from visiting the Central Research Automobile and Motor Institute (NAMI) to visiting the Kazan Helicopter Plant. Malaysia has already managed to call this visit historic — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted its magnitude on his social networks, as the king became the first head of the Malaysian state to visit Russia on a state visit since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the states in 1967.

The main point of the program of the King of Malaysia was the meeting with Vladimir Putin, which took place in the Kremlin on August 6. The visit has the status of a state visit, which is the highest category that takes place only once during his time in power. Such guests are received with special honors in the Kremlin: flags of the two countries are installed in St. George's Hall, the orchestra performs presidential fanfare and anthems, and the delegations are lined up to greet the heads of state. Vladimir Putin met the King of Malaysia. Traditionally, after the negotiations, the host party organizes a dinner in honor of the distinguished guest, which usually takes place in the Faceted Chamber— one of the oldest halls of the Kremlin.

— It is a great honor for me to meet with you in Moscow. I've always dreamed of meeting you," he confessed. — This visit is a reflection of my sincere desire to strengthen and improve our relations and our interaction. As they say in Russia: "friendship is much more important than money." It is the spirit of friendship that will help us to further strengthen relations between our peoples," Sultan Ibrahim said.

Meanwhile, Vladimir Putin recalled how he personally visited Malaysia several times.

— I just said, while we were walking here to this hall, that I have visited Malaysia three times and I have the kindest impressions and memories of visiting your country. I'm not even talking about nature, which is unique, fabulous, and even friendly. I and the members of my delegation who visited your country always remember this with gratitude," the President shared.

The Supreme Ruler of Malaysia expressed his admiration for Vladimir Putin's leadership qualities in the open part of the meeting.

— I admire your leadership skills. You have led your country through difficult times, through difficult times. At the same time, you proved yourself to be a significant government figure at a time when vision and sustainability were needed," he stressed.

The negotiations lasted about two hours.

Development of relations between Russia and Malaysia

Malaysia sees Russia as an important and trustworthy partner, the king said. Vladimir Putin confirmed that the political dialogue between Moscow and Kuala Lumpur has been established. The Head of state particularly noted the activities of the Malaysian side in the Russia—Islamic World Strategic Development group, which has become an effective instrument of cooperation. The economy is also well developed: the volume of mutual trade between the two countries is showing growth, and increased by more than 40% from January to May.

— It is well known that one of the foreign policy priorities of the Russian Federation in the Asian direction is the development of dialogue with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, where Malaysia holds the presidency this year. And we are grateful to you, Your Majesty, for the fact that Malaysia supports not only bilateral relations with Russia, but also contributes to the development of our contacts with all countries in the region," Vladimir Putin said.

The President also emphasized that in 2024, the Russian Federation supported Malaysia's desire to become a BRICS partner state. Vladimir Putin called it a landmark event that will benefit both bilateral relations and the development of the association itself.

— Malaysia holds the ASEAN presidency this year, so such an active policy is a way to increase the country's importance as one of the regional leaders of Southeast Asia. In addition, relations between the two countries have already been actively developing at the regional level, as well as through the Russia—Islamic World group. Due to the fact that domestic business circles began to look for alternatives in the region after Singapore imposed sanctions against Russia, Malaysia turned out to be a natural candidate for this role due to the dynamic development of its economies, Ekaterina Koldunova, director of the MGIMO ASEAN Center, told Izvestia.

The first visit of the Malaysian head of state to Russia will open a new chapter in the history of bilateral relations between the two countries, says Kira Tabunova, an expert at the ASEAN Center at MGIMO of the Russian Foreign Ministry. For example, the agenda of the negotiations, most of which are traditionally closed, could relate to a large number of projects under development: they relate to the economy, tourism, education, as well as investments, digital security and energy.

The issue of not least importance at the meeting was probably the geopolitical situation, in particular, the recent escalation of the conflict between Thailand and Cambodia. The agreement on the truce was reached thanks to negotiations between representatives of these two states in Kuala Lumpur, which were also attended by observers from the United States and China. Other topics include the tariff policy of the new administration of the American leader Donald Trump, the escalation of the conflict between Israel, Palestine and Iran, and the Ukrainian crisis.