VLADIVOSTOK: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had a meeting with Deputy Mufti Rushan Hazrat Abbyasov a few hours after arriving here for a two-day working visit in conjunction with the 9th Eastern Economic Forum.
Rushan is the first deputy chairman of the Russia Muftis Council and Religious Board of Muslims.
Anwar and Rushan discussed cooperation in various areas, including Islamic banking, training and capacity building, exchange of expertise and collaboration with institutions in Malaysia such as the International Islamic University, Islamic Arts Museum and Bank Negara Malaysia.
Rushan shared Russian President Vladimir Putin's strong support for the Muslims in the country and his respect for the religion and the Holy Quran.
Both expressed solidarity with the Palestinians.
Rushan conveyed his deep fondness and admiration for Malaysia, describing it as a "very developed Muslim country" and expressing that Russia has much to learn from Malaysia.
Anwar is scheduled to have a bilateral meeting with Putin at 3.30pm Malaysian time today.
Tomorrow, he is scheduled to deliver a keynote speech at the forum's plenary session.
This is Anwar's first visit to Russia since assuming office in November 2022.
He is accompanied by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan; Trade, Investment and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz; Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari and senior officials of the ministries.