Putin hosts Malaysian king on landmark state visit

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday said trade turnover between Russia and Malaysia increased by more than 40% from January to May this year, as he met Malaysian King Sultan Ibrahim in Moscow.

Sultan Ibrahim arrived in Moscow on Tuesday, becoming the first ever Malaysian monarch to visit Russia since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1967.

"The turnover is growing, and it’s growing at a very good pace. I would like to note that for the period from January to May this year, our trade turnover increased by more than 40%, which in my opinion is an excellent indicator,” Putin said, opening the meeting with the monarch at the Kremlin.

Putin said cooperation between the two countries on various international platforms, primarily within the framework of the UN, is also well-coordinated.

“It is well known that one of Russia's foreign policy priorities in the Asian direction is developing dialogue with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, where Malaysia holds the presidency this year. And we are grateful to you, your majesty, because Malaysia not only supports bilateral relations with Russia but also contributes to the development of our contacts with all the countries in the region,” he said.

Putin stressed that Moscow supported Kuala Lumpur's desire to become a partner country of the BRICS group.

"I believe that this is a landmark event that will benefit both our bilateral relations and the development of the union itself. I know that your country took active part in the recent BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro," he said.

For his part, the Malaysian king said his official visit to Moscow was motivated by the desire to strengthen bilateral relations with Russia.

“This visit reflects my sincere wish to enhance and improve our relationship and interaction. As they say in Russia, friendship is much more important than money,” he said.