KUALA LUMPUR, June 17 (Xinhua) -- Energy cooperation is at the top of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's agenda as he arrives in Russia for a two-day working visit in conjunction with the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit on Wednesday.
The visit, which will involve a meeting between leaders of the ASEAN grouping and the Russian leadership, will be utilized to ensure the continuity and security of oil and diesel supplies to Malaysia, Anwar said in a press briefing ahead of his visit.
"Among the matters I intend to emphasize when meeting (Russian President) Vladimir Putin is to ensure that oil supplies can continue to be channeled to us. This is the benefit of maintaining good relations with others," he said.
Anwar said the proactive measure was important to ensure the country has long-term energy supply security, while also avoiding supply disruptions that have begun affecting several neighboring countries in the ASEAN region.
Meanwhile, the foreign ministry said the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit will mark the 35th anniversary of ASEAN-Russia relations, which began in Kuala Lumpur in 1991.
"The summit will provide an opportunity for ASEAN and Russia to take stock of the progress achieved over the past 35 years, and to chart the future direction of ASEAN-Russia cooperation under the Strategic Partnership," it said. ■
