Anwar urges direct flights to connect Malaysia and Russia

VLADIVOSTOK: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated that Malaysia and Russia should consider introducing direct flights to increase tourist numbers between the two countries.

According to Bernama, Anwar emphasized that Malaysia is a friendly country unaffected by any external powers. He noted that Russian tourists should visit Malaysia, a nation rich in culture and hospitality, and economically viable in terms of its food.

“We are a country rich in culture, with a diverse society, tropical rainforests, beaches, and an equatorial climate. If you visit, you will find that ‘Malaysia is truly Asia’,” he said.

He made these comments during a Q&A session at the 9th Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) plenary session here yesterday.

The forum was also attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese Vice President Han Zheng.

Earlier, during a press conference with Malaysian journalists on the final day of his official visit to Russia, Anwar mentioned that Malaysia received over 100,000 tourist arrivals from Russia last year and there is potential to increase this number with more flight connections.

Currently, only transit flights through China are available to connect the two countries.