Putin Says Russia–Malaysia Ties Are ‘Truly Friendly’, Calls BRICS a Platform for a New Equitable World Order

Dragon Media News Desk

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim held talks on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, discussing bilateral relations and prospects for expanding cooperation in several sectors.

Opening the meeting, Putin asked Anwar to convey his warm regards to Malaysia’s Supreme Ruler, Sultan Ibrahim. He recalled meeting the Malaysian monarch in Moscow in May during commemorations marking the 81st anniversary of Victory over Nazism.

Putin described relations between Russia and Malaysia as being at a high level and “truly friendly” in nature. He said the two leaders were meeting within the BRICS framework, which he characterised as a platform where the outlines of “a new, equitable and democratic world order” are being shaped.

The Russian president also welcomed Malaysia’s participation in BRICS as a partner country, a status it obtained during Russia’s chairmanship of the grouping in 2024.

Putin noted that Russia and Malaysia will mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year. He said the two countries are approaching the milestone with substantial positive experience in cooperation and a solid foundation for further expanding their partnership.

According to Putin, contacts between the two countries are developing dynamically through their security councils, parliaments, foreign ministries and other relevant government agencies.

He also highlighted the fifth meeting of the Joint Russian-Malaysian Commission on Economic, Scientific, Technical and Cultural Cooperation, held in Vladivostok in August.

Economic ties have also shown growth. Putin said bilateral trade increased by 12.9 percent last year, describing the figure as encouraging.

Russia places significant importance on cooperation with Malaysia in education, science, technology and tourism, Putin said, adding that the New Delhi meeting provided an opportunity to discuss priority areas for further cooperation.

The meeting reflects Moscow’s broader effort to deepen economic and political engagement with Southeast Asia. Malaysia’s growing involvement as a BRICS partner country also highlights the grouping’s expanding reach in the region and its increasingly prominent role in Russia’s vision of a more multipolar international order.