MOSCOW (Aug 6): His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, says that his state visit to Russia reflects his sincere wish to strengthen ties and cooperation between the two nations and that Malaysia regards Russia as a trusted and important partner.

“Our diplomatic relations span more than five decades, having been formally established in April 1967. I’m reminded that Malaysia was among the earliest Asean nations to establish ties with Moscow.

“As a Russian saying goes, friendship is more valuable than money. It is this spirit of friendship, I believe, that will continue to shape the direction of the relationship between our two nations for the benefit of our people.”

Sultan Ibrahim made the remarks during an official meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin following a state welcoming ceremony at the Grand Kremlin Palace here today.

Accompanying the King were Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, who is also Minister-in-Attendance; Foreign Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Amran Mohamad Zin; and Malaysian Ambassador to Russia Datuk Cheong Loon Lai.

Putin was joined by senior Russian officials including Aide to the Russian President for International Affairs Yury Ushakov, Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov, Minister of Science and Higher Education Valery Falkov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Alexander Pankin and Deputy Minister of Defence Alexander Fomin.

Sultan Ibrahim is on his maiden state visit to Russia until Aug 10 at the invitation of Putin.

This marks the first state visit by a Malaysian Head of State to Russia.

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