By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, June 18: Malaysia and Russia are exploring strategic cooperation to strengthen the long-term security of energy and gas supplies, following discussions between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Russian President Vladimir Putin on expanding bilateral ties in key sectors.
In a statement today, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said the two leaders discussed various aspects of bilateral cooperation, including the potential to enhance collaboration in the energy sector, which remains a strategic area for both countries.
The discussions also covered efforts to broaden economic cooperation, with Malaysia expressing appreciation for Russia’s commitment to providing long-term cooperation in energy and oil supply.
According to the PMO, Anwar and Putin exchanged views on opportunities to strengthen cooperation in emerging technologies, cybersecurity, digital development, artificial intelligence (AI), modern agriculture and pharmaceuticals.
The leaders also discussed measures to facilitate the movement of people through visa liberalisation, as well as exploring mechanisms to expand bilateral trade and investment using local currencies, namely the Malaysian ringgit and Russian ruble.
The PMO said the Madani government would continue taking strategic and proactive measures to enhance the country’s energy security through international partnerships capable of ensuring the stability, continuity and resilience of energy supplies.
Such efforts, it added, are aimed at safeguarding national interests, supporting economic growth and ensuring the well-being of the people through a secure and sustainable energy future.
Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, is in Kazan, the capital and largest city of Tatarstan, to attend the Asean-Russia Commemorative Summit from June 17 to 18. — DayakDaily
