President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Your Majesty,
Allow me to once again extend a heartfelt welcome to Moscow – this time to Moscow itself, as our previous meeting took place in St Petersburg. I would also like to express my gratitude for your finding the opportunity and taking the time to come to Russia to celebrate Victory Day with us, a day that carries deep significance for us. On this day, we honour the sacrifices endured by our country and by all humanity in the fight against the brown plague, in the struggle against Nazism.
Relations between our countries are progressing well. Next year, we will celebrate an anniversary of our diplomatic relations, and during this time both sides have accomplished a great deal.
Trade and economic ties continue developing. We note that there has been a certain adjustment and a slight decline in trade turnover, but I am confident that we will be able to reverse this trend in the near future. We have all the necessary prerequisites to do so.
We are actively cooperating on the international arena at different international organisations including the United Nations, ASEAN, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
As for ASEAN, which was chaired by Malaysia last year, we regularly hold and participate in joint events, while also marking the 35th anniversary of this organisation. In Kazan, we agreed on further joint actions in this area.
I would like to thank you once again for expressing hope, together with us, that relations between our countries will continue to develop as steadily as they have in the past. We also maintain very close contacts at the government level, and I am confident that this cooperation will continue in the future.
Thank you once again for your participation in the celebrations in Moscow.
Thank you very much.
Supreme Ruler of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim: Your Excellency Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, my dear friend, let me begin by expressing my sincere appreciation for a gracious invitation to Moscow to attend the Victory Day parade and ceremony.
It is always a pleasure to return to Russia as my second home. My heartfelt gratitude to you, Mr President, and to the Government of the Russian Federation for the very warm, welcome, generous hospitality that you have extended to me and my delegation throughout this visit.
I am honoured by this experience to celebrate this historic moment that reflects the courage and sacrifice of the Russian people. Today highlights the value of resilience and peace – the foundation of the Russian soul.
Mr President, next year marks the 60th anniversary of Malaysia-Russia diplomatic relations. Since 1967, our partnership has grown steadily into a strong and productive bond. Our last meeting in St Petersburg was constructive, fruitful, where we shared similar aspirations to elevate the relationship between our two nations.
The distance we have travelled together and the significant milestone we have achieved make these celebrations meaningful and memorable. In the next regard, I would like to repay your kindness and to warmly invite you to Malaysia for a state visit next year to celebrate this diamond jubilee.
I am confident that this occasion will add new momentum to the partnership our nations have developed for the past six decades.
Thank you, Mr President, my brother.
<…>