In a historic and emotional moment for Malaysia-Russia ties, Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar, the Malaysian king, made his first-ever state visit to Russia this week. This is also the first time a Malaysian head of state has visited the country since diplomatic relations began in 1967. The six-day visit signifies a clear strengthening of ties between the two nations, both of which are facing increasing pressure from the United States.
Historic First Visit Strengthens Malaysia-Russia Relations
During his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday, Sultan Ibrahim expressed admiration for Putin’s leadership. According to Russian state media outlet TASS, the king said he had “dreamed of meeting” Putin and praised him for guiding Russia through difficult times. “You proved yourself to be a strong government figure at a time when vision and resilience were needed,” Sultan Ibrahim said.
Russia hosted the meeting at the Kremlin and followed it with a grand state banquet, highlighting the importance it placed on the royal visit. Sultan Ibrahim’s praise for Putin strongly signaled Malaysia’s interest in building closer relations with Moscow.
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The king’s visit comes just two months after Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also met with Putin. During that visit in May, President Putin spoke of “concrete plans” for greater economic and energy cooperation between the two countries.
Deepening Malaysia’s Trade Ties Amid U.S. Sanctions Pressure
The visit comes at a time when both Malaysia and Russia are feeling the heat from the United States. Earlier this month, the U.S. imposed new tariffs affecting both countries. The U.S. is also reportedly preparing more sanctions against Moscow due to its ongoing invasion of Ukraine. These developments have pushed Malaysia to look for new trade opportunities around the world.
Malaysia’s search for trade partners has grown more urgent in recent months. With American tariffs posing a risk to Malaysia’s access to its biggest export markets, the country is now actively trying to reduce its reliance on the U.S. market. Malaysia has been eyeing alternative markets to ensure its economic stability.
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Russia, on the other hand, is looking for friendly nations to help support its economy, which is under heavy international sanctions. The country has been cut off from much of the Western world, especially in areas like energy exports. Malaysia, as a growing economy in Southeast Asia, offers Russia new avenues to trade its oil, wheat, coal, and other essential goods.
Last year, trade between the two countries stood at 11.5 billion ringgit (around US$2.7 billion). Malaysia mostly exports electronics, machinery, and processed food to Russia. In return, it imports wheat and coal, which are vital for the country’s food and energy needs.
Strategic advisor Asrul Hadi Abdullah Sani from ADA Southeast Asia said that the king’s visit shows Malaysia is trying to balance its traditional relationships with old allies like Russia while dealing with the immediate pressures from the U.S. He added that the visit reflects “long-term diplomatic steadiness” from Malaysia.
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Russia has played a key role in helping Malaysia become a partner in the BRICS group, an international bloc of emerging economies. Malaysia’s move to apply for BRICS membership through Russia last year came as a surprise to Washington and its Western allies. The United States has been wary of BRICS, especially as the group discusses “de-dollarisation” — the idea of conducting global trade using currencies other than the U.S. dollar.
U.S. President Donald Trump, who returned to office in January, has threatened to increase tariffs on BRICS members and their partners if they continue supporting moves away from the dollar.
Another point of tension is the alleged involvement of Malaysia in helping move Russian oil through its waters. Since the international community imposed sanctions on Russia in 2022, several oil shipments have reportedly passed through Malaysian territory. In June, a Russian tanker named SCF Primorye reportedly transferred 1 million barrels of crude oil off the Malaysian coast. According to news agency Reuters, another vessel later transported that oil to China.
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Beyond trade, the king’s visit includes a tour of key Russian industries. Sultan Ibrahim plans to visit the Tochka Kipeniya Technology and Innovation Hub. He will also travel to Kazan to tour a helicopter manufacturing plant. These visits aim to strengthen cooperation in the technology and defense sectors.
Russia has long played a major role as a defense supplier to Malaysia. Between 1995 and 2003, Russia supplied Malaysia with MiG-29 and Sukhoi fighter jets, building a strong military relationship between the two nations.
With this historic visit and the king’s open praise of President Putin, Malaysia and Russia are visibly strengthening their relationship—a shift that Western powers are watching closely.