Russia is actively enhancing bilateral trade and investment with ASEAN member states, with Malaysia standing out as a key partner. The country is also seeking to promote comprehensive cooperation with ASEAN.
Russia's Bilateral Ties with Malaysia

Regarding its bilateral relations with Malaysia, Russian Ministers and officials have recently led business delegations to Malaysia. These visits followed Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's trip to Russia in September to attend the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) at President Vladimir Putin’s invitation. At Vladivostok, Anwar described Russia as a "key partner" and proposed building a "special relationship" between the two nations.

In 2023, Malaysia's exports to Russia increased by 13% year-on-year to USD 619.3 million, while Russian exports to Malaysia grew by 10.8% to USD 2.49 billion.

Abu Bakar Yusof, Deputy CEO of the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), stated, "There are many opportunities we can explore with Russian partners and companies."

These collaborations are unfolding amid Western sanctions against Russia. Nonetheless, Malaysia, which will assume the ASEAN Chairmanship next year, remains keen on working with Russia and BRICS nations to diversify its traditional markets while maintaining ASEAN's centrality amidst superpower competition. The BRICS group, initially comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, recently added five new members—Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Ethiopia, and Egypt—as well as several new partner countries.

Russia's Engagement with ASEAN

Russia recently organized the "World of Opportunities: Russia-ASEAN" International Business Forum on November 26–27 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's capital. Over 350 delegates, including representatives from politics, business, academia, media, and public figures from 24 countries, attended the two-day event, which was hosted by the Roscongress Foundation.

Anton Kobyakov, Advisor to the President of the Russian Federation, said, "The Russia-ASEAN: World of Opportunities forum has become one of the largest business events of its kind in Russia and the region in recent years. It provides a unique platform to strengthen trade relations between Russia and Southeast Asian countries. In 2023, Russia's trade volume with ASEAN reached a record high, increasing by 14.6% compared to the previous year. This positive trend has continued in the first half of 2024, with a 20.5% increase. The forum reflects the growing interest of Russian businesses in ASEAN countries, especially Malaysia, and further solidifies Russia's strong trade presence in Southeast Asia. I believe the forum will serve as an important platform to comprehensively address issues related to enhancing trade and investment relations across various sectors between Russia and ASEAN countries."

The forum’s business agenda focused on trade interaction, exports, energy, digital transformation, cybersecurity, technology, and innovation. Specialized sessions also addressed healthcare, tourism, education, and the role of alumni networks in fostering international business connectivity.

Nail Latypov, Russian Ambassador to Malaysia, emphasized, "Russia-Malaysia relations are dynamically advancing in various fields, providing optimism for their future. I believe this forum serves as an excellent starting point for launching and implementing new projects, fostering cooperation, and enhancing open dialogue between business communities and government representatives. I hope the outcomes of the event will bring ASEAN countries and Malaysia closer to Russia, allowing our nations' people to learn more about each other and explore new horizons for mutually beneficial relationships."

The forum’s centerpiece plenary session included prominent figures such as Alexey Gruzdev, Russian Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade; Ayrat Khayrullin, Minister of Digital Public Administration, Information Technology, and Communications of Tatarstan; Tan Sri Nazir Razak, Founder and Chairman of Ikhlas Capital and Chairman of the ASEAN-BAC Malaysia; Oudet Souvannavong, President of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry and ASEAN-BAC Chairman; Alexander Stuglev, Chairman and CEO of the Roscongress Foundation; and Abu Bakar Yusof, Deputy CEO of MATRADE. The session was moderated by Daniyar Akkaziev, CEO of the Russia-ASEAN Business Council.

The first day’s business agenda included a panel discussion titled “The Energy Dimension of Strategic Partnership between Russia and ASEAN: Lessons Learned and New Directions” and an EAEU-ASEAN business dialogue. Discussions explored new formats of cooperation among businesses for sustainable, long-term development.

The second day featured workshops on enhancing Russia-ASEAN collaboration in digital transformation, healthcare, and medicine. Additional focus was placed on strategies to increase tourism and foster educational partnerships.