Malaysian King makes historic first visit to Russia, meets Putin in Moscow

MOSCOW, RUSSIA - AUG. 6, 2025 - RESTRICTION: USERS MUST CREDIT “KREMLIN PRESS OFFICE” HANDOUT, MUST NOT OBSCURE LOGO —EDITORIAL USE ONLY— Malaysian King Sultan Ibrahim held talks with President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Wednesday, Aug. 6, during his first-ever state visit to Russia.The Malaysian monarch landed at the Vnukovo Airport, where he was greeted by Minister of Science and Higher Education Valery Falkov, who is also the co-chairman of the Russian-Malaysian intergovernmental commission, the press service of the Russian government said in a statement.A military orchestra played national anthems of both countries, and an honor guard marched before the monarch, who arrived with a large delegation.King Ibrahim will travel to Kazan, where he will hold meetings with the leader of the Tatarstan region, Rustam Minnikhanov, and visit the Kazan Helicopter Plant.The king will be in Russia from Aug. 5 - 10 on the invitation of President Putin, and participate in official events.Additionally, he plans to visit the Central Automobile and Automotive Engine Research Institute (NAMI) and the technological innovation center Boiling Point.Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim described the visit as historic, as the first head of Malaysia to have a state visit in Russia since diplomatic relations were established in 1967.(Footage by Kremlin Press Office /Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)