By R. Ratcharathan
GEORGE TOWN, Feb 28 (Bernama) -- Negotiations are under way for the resumption of direct flights between Malaysia and Russia, and a final agreement is expected this year, according to Russian Ambassador to Malaysia Naiyl Latypov.
He said the matter is being handled by the transport ministries of both countries.
Several rounds of consultations have already been completed.
“The Transport Minister of Malaysia Anthony Loke and Russian Transport Minister Andrey Nikitin are in close contact. As far as I know, there have been two or three rounds of consultations,” Latypov said.
He said the Russians are expecting a Malaysian delegation in Moscow this year, and expressed hope that the two sides would finalise a solution.
Latypov was speaking to Bernama after attending the commemoration of the 112th anniversary of the tragic sinking of the Russian cruiser Zhemchug in the Battle of Penang during World War I, held at the Western Road Cemetery here Saturday.
He said discussions are currently focused on the Moscow-Langkawi route, with a possibility of expanding to other destinations in the future.
Elaborating further, Latypov said beyond intergovernmental agreements, airlines from both countries must also reach commercial arrangements before direct services can be reinstated.
He noted that Malaysia remains a popular destination among Russian citizens, especially during the country’s long and often severe winter season.
On Jan 17, Nikitin said in an interview with Russian News Agency (TASS) that direct flights from Russia to Malaysia are expected to be launched this year.
Meanwhile, Latypov described the commemoration ceremony as a solemn occasion to honour Russian sailors who perished in 1914 in the waters off Penang.
Some 30 Russian nationals, including representatives from two Russian naval ships currently docked at Penang Port, took part in the ceremony, he said.
In addition to paying tribute to the fallen sailors, the event recognised the role of local fishermen and residents who assisted in rescuing the survivors.
The Battle of Penang broke out late at night on Oct 28, 1914, when the high-speed German cruiser SMS Emden found itself a very short distance from the Zhemchug and launched one torpedo after another. Within minutes, the Zhemchug vanished underwater.
Most of the remains of the perished crewmen were buried at the Western Road Cemetery here, and some interred on Pulau Jerejak.
On Friday (Feb 27), a detachment of warships of the Russian Navy's Pacific Fleet consisting of corvettes Sovershenniy, Rezkiy, and the support vessel Pecheng made a friendly call at the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal (SPCT) here.
-- BERNAMA
