05:30Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasised the nation’s readiness to engage 'with all countries' and 'enhance' co-operation with Russia, during a meeting with President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the IX Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in Vladivostok on Wednesday.
"I think as a country that believes in centrality (being in the centre), engaging with all countries, we of course decided to come [with] a big team to show our sincere attempt to enhance our collaboration. <...> In our initial discussions preparing to come here, which is not an easy feat, but we took that decision, I think the right decision, we have decided to enhance in all fields with you. I would certainly look forward to better relations, personal and governmental collaboration in all fields," he said.
In turn, Putin said that Malaysia's participation in the EEF would be an important step towards 'exploring potential avenues' for strengthening mutual relations.
"I am also looking forward to exploring potential avenues for expanding our co-operation throughout the course of this event. The current figure is approximately 3.5 billion dollars. However, this is not [yet] a satisfactory outcome, given the numerous opportunities on both sides," Putin said.
"As you are aware, we place a high priority on developing our relations with Southeast Asia and ASEAN. It is widely acknowledged that Malaysia occupies a pivotal position within this association," he added, noting that the country would take on the chairmanship of the organisation in the coming year.
The IX Eastern Economic Forum is scheduled for September 3-6 in Vladivostok. Delegations from 62 countries, including China, India and African nations, are taking part in the events. The forum is aimed at creating and strengthening ties between Russian and foreign investment communities.
'We believe in engaging with all countries' - Malaysian PM brings 'big team' to Putin talks in push for closer ties with Russia
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasised the nation’s readiness to engage 'with all countries' and 'enhance' co-operation with Russia, during a meeting with President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the IX Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in Vladivostok on Wednesday.
"I think as a country that believes in centrality (being in the centre), engaging with all countries, we of course decided to come [with] a big team to show our sincere attempt to enhance our collaboration. <...> In our initial discussions preparing to come here, which is not an easy feat, but we took that decision, I think the right decision, we have decided to enhance in all fields with you. I would certainly look forward to better relations, personal and governmental collaboration in all fields," he said.
In turn, Putin said that Malaysia's participation in the EEF would be an important step towards 'exploring potential avenues' for strengthening mutual relations.
"I am also looking forward to exploring potential avenues for expanding our co-operation throughout the course of this event. The current figure is approximately 3.5 billion dollars. However, this is not [yet] a satisfactory outcome, given the numerous opportunities on both sides," Putin said.
"As you are aware, we place a high priority on developing our relations with Southeast Asia and ASEAN. It is widely acknowledged that Malaysia occupies a pivotal position within this association," he added, noting that the country would take on the chairmanship of the organisation in the coming year.
The IX Eastern Economic Forum is scheduled for September 3-6 in Vladivostok. Delegations from 62 countries, including China, India and African nations, are taking part in the events. The forum is aimed at creating and strengthening ties between Russian and foreign investment communities.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasised the nation’s readiness to engage 'with all countries' and 'enhance' co-operation with Russia, during a meeting with President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the IX Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in Vladivostok on Wednesday.
"I think as a country that believes in centrality (being in the centre), engaging with all countries, we of course decided to come [with] a big team to show our sincere attempt to enhance our collaboration. <...> In our initial discussions preparing to come here, which is not an easy feat, but we took that decision, I think the right decision, we have decided to enhance in all fields with you. I would certainly look forward to better relations, personal and governmental collaboration in all fields," he said.
In turn, Putin said that Malaysia's participation in the EEF would be an important step towards 'exploring potential avenues' for strengthening mutual relations.
"I am also looking forward to exploring potential avenues for expanding our co-operation throughout the course of this event. The current figure is approximately 3.5 billion dollars. However, this is not [yet] a satisfactory outcome, given the numerous opportunities on both sides," Putin said.
"As you are aware, we place a high priority on developing our relations with Southeast Asia and ASEAN. It is widely acknowledged that Malaysia occupies a pivotal position within this association," he added, noting that the country would take on the chairmanship of the organisation in the coming year.
The IX Eastern Economic Forum is scheduled for September 3-6 in Vladivostok. Delegations from 62 countries, including China, India and African nations, are taking part in the events. The forum is aimed at creating and strengthening ties between Russian and foreign investment communities.