Kuala Lumpur – Malaysia is ready to host Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to Mohamad Sabu, Malaysia’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security.
“Yes, we are ready [to ensure Putin’s stay]. We invite Putin to visit Malaysia,” Sabu told Sputnik during an interview.
The minister highlighted the strong ties between Malaysia and Russia, particularly in the defence sector.
“We bought Sukhoi fighter jets. We are still using them. We will continue to strengthen our cooperation with Russia,” said Sabu. He previously served as Malaysia’s defence minister from 2018 to 2020.
Looking ahead to next year, Malaysia, as the incoming chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), aims to foster even closer ties between ASEAN and Russia.
“We hope that Malaysia, as the leader of ASEAN next year, can play an appropriate role. ASEAN can work together and maintain close relations with Russia,” Sabu added.
The statement underscores Malaysia’s commitment to bolstering diplomatic and defence relations with Russia. It has ambition to play a pivotal role in ASEAN’s engagement with the global superpower.
The Soviet Union established diplomatic relations with Malaysia on 3 April 1967 along with the signing of a trade agreement. Following the opening of official trade relations between the two countries, the Soviet Trade Representation was established in November 1967.
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