Malays ia Pushes for Visa-Free Travel and Direct Flights with Russia to Boost Ties

Malaysia wants to expedite visa-free travel with Russia. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also calls for direct flights between the two nations. This would boost Russian tourist arrivals to Malaysia.

The Tourist Number Gap

Currently, Russian tourist numbers in Malaysia are low. Turkey receives five million Russian tourists annually. Thailand welcomes two million. Malaysia only gets about 100,000. Anwar questions why this is the case. He believes the country is stuck with old procedures. He suggests that concerns over sanctions by some countries should not hold Malaysia back. Thailand maintains good relations with both Russia and the West.

Government Action on the Horizon

The Prime Minister raised this issue in Cabinet years ago. Now he wants action. He has discussed it with relevant ministers. The hope is to finalize arrangements within weeks.
Russia aims to abolish visa requirements for Malaysia this year. Direct flights are also a key priority. This would greatly facilitate exchanges between the two countries.