Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has arrived at Vladivostok International Airport for a two-day working visit to Russia to attend the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF). During this visit, he is also scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The 9th Eastern Economic Forum, taking place from September 4-5, aims to promote investment and economic development in the Far East region of Russia.
Anwar will deliver a speech during the plenary session, which is themed “Combining Strength to Create New Potential.” This annual forum gathers foreign and local dignitaries, policymakers, academics, and industry leaders to discuss cooperation opportunities.
During his meeting with President Putin, the two leaders will assess and discuss bilateral relations, focusing on trade, investment, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), agriculture, food security, and tourism.
They will also explore new collaboration areas, such as aerospace and advanced technology, and exchange views on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the situation in the Middle East.
Notably, Russia was Malaysia’s eighth-largest trading partner among European countries in 2023, with bilateral trade increasing by 15.6% to RM14.22 billion (USD3.1 billion), up from RM12.3 billion (USD2.79 billion) the previous year.
Anwar’s visit marks his first official trip to Russia since taking office in November 2022. He is accompanied by key ministers, including Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Haji Mohamad Hasan and Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Aziz.
