On May 26, the Valdai Club hosted an expert discussion dedicated to cooperation between Russia and Malaysia in the Asia-Pacific region and the Malaysian chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
In recent years, contacts between Russia and Malaysia have increased significantly. Recently, another meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim was held in Moscow. Both sides demonstrated interest in strengthening trade and economic ties, developing high technologies and innovations, and increasing investment in nuclear energy, space, oil and gas, and food industries.
Malaysia is a world center for testing and assembling microchips. Russia actively imports Malaysian microelectronics and semiconductors. In addition, Malaysia plays an important role in ASEAN, maintains a neutral position in international conflicts, and maintains a balance in relations with partners. The Russian authorities, in turn, are counting on expanding cooperation with ASEAN and its members, including with the support of their Malaysian colleagues.
What is the current level of relations between Russia and Malaysia? What challenges are there in the way of their long-term cooperation? What will be the agenda of the upcoming ASEAN summit? And how can Russia strengthen its position in the Asia-Pacific region, including in cooperation with ASEAN? The participants of the discussion tried to answer these and other questions.
Speakers:
Nur Jazlan Mohamed, Deputy Chairman of the Senate of the Parliament of Malaysia
Alexander Korolev, Deputy Director of the Centre for Comprehensive European and International Studies, National Research University Higher School of Economics
Moderator:
Fyodor Lukyanov, Research Director of the Valdai Discussion Club
Working languages: Russian, English.