Malaysia and the Republic of Tatarstan have strong potential to expand cooperation across multiple sectors including trade, investment, education, tourism, halal industry, technology and talent development, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said the matter was discussed during a bilateral meeting with the Head of the Republic of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov, shortly after his arrival in Kazan on Tuesday.
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said energy was among the key areas of focus given Tatarstan’s position as one of the major oil-producing regions in the Russian Federation.
“Upon arrival in Kazan, I held a meeting with my friend who is also the Head of the Republic of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov, to exchange views on bilateral relations and potential areas of cooperation that can be explored for the mutual benefit of both sides,” he said in a Facebook post.
“We see wide room for cooperation in the oil and gas industry, including downstream activities, refining and petrochemicals,” he added.
Anwar said both sides also discussed the role of KazanForum in strengthening business ties as well as opening up new opportunities in innovation, the digital economy and strategic investments.
“I hope this meeting will further strengthen relations between Malaysia and Tatarstan and open up more opportunities for cooperation that bring real benefits to the people and economies of both sides,” he said.
He also congratulated Kazan on being recognised as the 2026 City of Islamic Culture by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s cultural body, noting its role as a centre of Islamic knowledge, culture and innovation.
Anwar also acknowledged Russian President Vladimir Putin’s vision in establishing the Strategic Vision Group, which serves as a bridge between Russia and the Muslim world to strengthen dialogue and cooperation.
The Prime Minister is in Kazan for a two-day working visit to attend the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit.
