The forum was attended by over a hundred representatives from both sides, including the Russian Minister of Science and Higher Education, Valery Falkov, Malaysian Minister of Higher Education, Zambry Abdul Kadir, and the Rector of Empress Catherine II St. Petersburg Mining University, Vladimir Litvinenko. The plenary session and expert consultations focused on finding mechanisms to provide an additional boost to economic, scientific-technical, and cultural cooperation between the two nations.
Special attention was given to the launch of direct air connections with Kuala Lumpur and the completion of accreditation for Russian companies producing halal products, which are permissible for consumption according to the Quran, in order to begin supplying them to Malaysia.
Valery Falkov noted that the distinguishing feature of all the meetings held, regardless of their format or the composition of the delegates, was "maximum openness to dialogue and active interest in implementing mutually beneficial solutions." As an example of already achieved results, he cited the launch of regular freight transportation through Vietnam.
«During the meetings, we discussed areas such as the export of Russian LNG, fertilizers, agricultural products—including dairy items—as well as pharmaceuticals and medical equipment to Malaysia. On our side, we are ready to support Malaysian investors who wish to invest in projects in Russia, including in the Far East. Naturally, the prospects for intensifying cooperation between our higher education institutions were also considered», - said Valery Falkov.
Zambry Abdul Kadir expressed gratitude to the hosts "for the excellent choice of venue for the meeting." He emphasized that Empress Catherine II St. Petersburg Mining University is known as "one of the most prestigious universities" not only in Russia but also worldwide, and called the session "an important milestone in advancing cooperation.
«Gathered here in this beautiful hall, which was built over two hundred years ago, we expressed our mutual commitment to strengthening business, cultural, and scientific ties for the sake of well-being and prosperity—not only for our countries but for the entire world. Humanity is advancing faster than ever before, and we cannot afford to delay. Artificial intelligence, renewable energy sources, and digital technologies are sectors that, along with the traditional areas of our partnership, open new opportunities for progress. The exchange of ideas and productive discussions that took place during our commission's session will undoubtedly help us find the optimal direction for our joint movement forward», - the Malaysian minister addressed the audience.
He emphasized that a distinctive feature of this forum is the search for opportunities for cooperation in such a crucial area for the preservation and strengthening of any nation's sovereignty as the exploration, extraction, and deep processing of mineral resources. In this regard, the extensive experience of Empress Catherine II St. Petersburg Mining University in the scientific and engineering support of such projects could be highly valuable.
Rector Vladimir Litvinenko assured that he is fully open to partnership. Given the challenges facing our countries and civilization as a whole, sustainable development can only be achieved through the creation of effective collaborations, including horizontal connections among scientists, politicians, and businesses.
«'The era of lone scientists is over; only large interdisciplinary teams can compete in the development and implementation of breakthrough technologies. In this scenario, specialists working towards a common goal can enrich and complement each other, motivating one another towards success. There are many points of contact that can serve as an excellent springboard for intensifying Russian-Malaysian cooperation in the scientific and educational fields. This could involve not just the formation of bilateral research teams, but also joint summer schools for students», - concluded Vladimir Litvinenko.
At the conclusion of the plenary session, the final protocol of the third meeting of the Russian-Malaysian Commission was signed, along with a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Kazan Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the National Institute of Biotechnology of Malaysia.
During the visit of the Malaysian delegation to the Mining University, the guests paid tribute to the university's founder, Empress Catherine II, whose name the institution bears. Rector Vladimir Litvinenko, as well as Ministers Valery Falkov and Zamri Abdul Kadir, laid lavish bouquets of red roses at the foot of the monument to the Empress of All Russia.
