Malaysia and Russia Deepen Energy Cooperation and Explore Multi-Sector Partnerships

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Kazan on June 17, 2026, to discuss strengthening bilateral relations across multiple domains. The two leaders expressed commitment to enhancing energy cooperation, with Russia agreeing to expand long-term collaboration on energy and petroleum supplies. Malaysia's national oil company has already begun engaging with Russian counterparts to advance joint energy initiatives.

Beyond energy, the two countries explored opportunities for cooperation in emerging technologies, cybersecurity, digital economy, artificial intelligence, modern agriculture, and pharmaceuticals. The leaders also discussed mechanisms to increase bilateral trade and investment by conducting transactions in local currencies—Malaysian ringgit and Russian rubles—rather than relying solely on international reserve currencies. Additionally, they examined visa-waiver arrangements to facilitate people-to-people exchanges between the two nations.

The Malaysian Prime Minister's office emphasized that the government will continue pursuing strategic and proactive measures to strengthen the country's energy security through international cooperation, ensuring stable, sustainable, and resilient energy supplies to serve national prosperity and protect citizens' interests. According to Malaysian data, Russia is an important trade partner; Malaysia primarily exports electrical and electronic products, machinery equipment and components, and processed foods to Russia, while importing petroleum products, mineral products, and chemical products in return.