Rustam Minnikhanov: Tatarstan takes an active part in development of Russia-Malaysia cooperation

On 16 June, speaking at his meeting with the Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim, who came to Kazan to take part in events of the Russia-ASEAN Summit, the Rais (Head) of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov said: ”I always recollect with warmth  my working trips to Malaysia and our meetings with you.” 

He reminded about the successful remote meeting of the Strategic Vision Group “Russia-the Islamic world” held in Kuala-Lumpur in 2024 and thanked his guest for taking part in the work of the KazanForum last year and for active participation of a Malaysian delegation in the forum in the current year where the third meeting of Russia-Malaysia group on tourism and the Russian-Malaysian round table were organized. 

“Tatarstan takes an active part in the development of Russia-Malaysia cooperation. We have regular exchange of delegations. I ask you to pass my best regards to the King of your country,” the Rais of the republic said. 

He stated that the trade, economic and investment cooperation is the priority for interaction and informed that even though the trade turnover showed a good growth, a partial decline was recorded. According to results of the first three months of 2026, the mutual trade turnover was about 8.8m dollars US, Rustam Minnikhanov said and emphasized: “Tatarstan as an export oriented region with a powerful industrial capacity is ready to supply the widest range of products. We should work more actively on joint investment projects.”

In his turn the Malaysian Prime Minister said: “I am very happy to be here and happy that Mister Putin has decided to hold this summit in Kazan.”  

The parties of the meeting also discussed a possibility of opening direct flights between Kazan and Malaysia, and Anwar Ibrahim stated: “Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization has proclaimed Kazan as cultural capital of the Islamic world this year. Due to direct communication more tourists from Malaysia could see your wonderful republic.”