VLADIVOSTOK (Russia), Sept 4 – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will undertake a two-day working visit to Russia beginning Wednesday to attend the 9th Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in Vladivostok, the largest seaport city in Russia’s far east region.
Anwar will also address the plenary session of the EEF on Sept 5.
Malaysian Ambassador to Russia Datuk Cheong Loon Lai said this is Anwar’s first visit to Russia since assuming office in November 2022.
Cheong said the highlight of the visit would be the bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which Anwar is expected to reiterate Malaysia’s interest in joining the BRICS intergovernmental organisation as Russia is currently holding BRICS chairmanship.
“Taking into the consideration that Malaysia will take over ASEAN chairmanship next year, of course, this visit will also serve as a platform to promote and reiterate Malaysia’s interest to join BRICS.
“The visit is at the invitation of President Putin, which was conveyed by Russian Foreign Minister (Sergey Lavrov),” he told Malaysian reporters ahead of Anwar’s arrival on Wednesday morning.
During the visit, Anwar is also expected to meet with Deputy Mufti Rushan Hazrat Abbyasov, who is the first deputy chairman of Russia Muftis Council and Religious Board of Muslim, and receive a courtesy call from Rais (Head) of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov.
The EEF is an annual economic forum held in Russia’s Far East region since 2015 to promote investment and economic development as well as international cooperation in the region.
