King’s Moscow Visit Reaffirms Malaysia’s Neutrality, Can Boost Tourism, Energy And Education - Expert

By Fatin Umairah Abdul Hamid

KUALA LUMPUR, May 13 (Bernama) -- His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia’s recent visit to Moscow, Russia, is seen as reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a neutral nation in its foreign policy stance while also potentially bringing benefits in tourism, oil-related cooperation and education linkages between both countries, a regional policy expert said.

ASEAN Economic Club chairman Tan Sri Michael Yeoh said Malaysians have traditionally pursued medical studies in Russia, adding that such educational exchanges would continue, while also encouraging more Russian students to study in Malaysia.

“Many years ago before COVID-19 happened, Russian tourists came to Langkawi. But after the pandemic, they stopped coming, so we have to get them back,” he told Bernama after appearing on Bernama TV’s “The Nation” programme titled “Malaysia in a Divided World”.

This marks His Majesty’s third visit to Russia since ascending the throne, and he believes the trip will serve as a new catalyst for strengthening the strategic cooperation built over six decades between Malaysia and Russia.

The working visit to Moscow from May 6 to May 10, 2026 was made at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin, and marked the first time a Malaysian Head of State attended Russia’s annual 81st Anniversary of Victory Day celebrations.

Sultan Ibrahim also consented to witness the military parade at Red Square alongside President Putin and several other world leaders, including President Aleksandr Lukashenko of Belarus, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan, President Thongloun Sisoulith of Laos and Prime Minister Robert Fico of Slovakia.

He also witnessed the demonstration of the fifth generation multi-role fighter jet, Sukhoi Su-57E at Zhukovsky International Airport Moscow on May 8, and also recently received a rare Aurus Senat limousine as a gift from the Russian automaker.

-- BERNAMA