VLADIVOSTOK, Russia (Sept 6): Malaysia hopes for the influx of Russian companies into the country and an increase in the tourist flow between the two nations, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said in an interview with RIA Novosti and RT, reported Sputnik.

"With Russia, I think the potential is there. We hope, now that we have talked to a lot of major companies in Russia, to come to Malaysia and increase particularly tourism, which would be of benefit.

“And we are also making it easier for Malaysian tourists to visit Russia," Anwar said on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF).

The EEF began on Tuesday and will run through Friday. It is being hosted by the Far Eastern Federal University in Russia's Pacific coast city of Vladivostok. Sputnik is the general information partner of the EEF 2024.

Cooperation with Russia, China, and India will benefit Malaysia's economy, Anwar said in the interview.

"This issue of centrality and engaging with the US, which is still a major player in terms of investments and trade with Malaysia, with Europe, particularly Germany, and more so now with China, India and Russia, [all of] it will benefit us," he added.

Meanwhile, it is not in Malaysia's interest to side with the West and be against Russia, as the country maintains good relations with all parties, Anwar said, adding that he does not want to complicate the issue further.

In fact, Russia is coping with sanctions better than many Western observers thought, Anwar opined.

"The Russian experience is a bit different, because you are stronger, larger, and you have this strong resolve and a great history.

“Somehow or other, they are managing things better than many Western observers thought. That is true when we look at the economic figures, agriculture production, new technology and the banking system.

"I mean, so our intention, our position is of course to find a resolution, not to take the side of the West against Russia. What benefit is this for us? Like the US vis-a-vis China, we maintain good relations with both. Why compel us to take sides? Well, they create these potential problems because it is a different system." he said.

Malaysia is concerned about rising tensions between the US and China, but cannot be forced to choose sides, he stressed.

"Yes, there is concern because of the heightening tension between the US and China, but we cannot be forced to take sides. We are an important partner in terms of trade and investments with the US, cumulatively still No 1. But China is an important player. So, we engage more than ever before in all fields in a comprehensive manner," said Anwar.

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