New delhi: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, has proposed the creation of a special mechanism between Putrajaya and Moscow aimed at expediting the execution of all agreements reached between Malaysia and Russia.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Putin agreed to Anwar's suggestion. During their meeting, held on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Leaders' Summit, the two leaders also discussed the import of Malaysian palm oil by Moscow and the acceleration of direct flights between the countries. The 20-minute discussion provided an opportunity for the leaders to assess the progress of Malaysia-Russia relations and determine measures to strengthen bilateral cooperation.

Anwar, who is also Malaysia's Finance Minister, expressed appreciation for Russia's support in energy cooperation. He highlighted the need to expedite efforts to realize direct flights and visa-free travel to enhance tourism, trade, and investment between the countries. Anwar emphasized that both nations possess strengths in energy cooperation, which can be leveraged for mutual benefit. Notably, Petronas has engaged with Russian counterparts, including Rosneft, to advance collaboration in this sector.

The Russian news agency TASS quoted President Putin, describing the 12.9 percent growth in trade turnover between Russia and Malaysia last year as a 'solid pace.' Putin emphasized the importance Moscow places on contacts with Kuala Lumpur in education, science, technology, and tourism. The leaders discussed priority issues concerning cooperation in these areas.

Anwar's arrival at the BRICS Leaders' Summit marks Malaysia's participation as a BRICS partner country since January 1, 2025. The meeting with Putin was Anwar's first bilateral engagement at the summit. In 2024, ASEAN-Russia trade totaled US$18.1 billion, with Russian foreign direct investment in ASEAN reaching RM367.90 million (US$92.97 million).

For Malaysia, Russia was the ninth-largest trading partner among European nations in 2025, with total trade valued at RM8.72 billion (US$2.04 billion). Malaysia primarily exports electrical and electronic products, machinery, equipment, parts, and processed food to Russia, while principal imports include petroleum products, minerals, chemicals, and chemical-based products.