On Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to the Kremlin for discussions centered on enhancing economic collaboration in light of Western sanctions.

The meeting followed shortly after the United Nations civil aviation organization attributed responsibility to Russia for the 2014 downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 in Ukraine. Despite this context, Putin indicated that both nations were contemplating the initiation of direct flights.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov remarked to journalists that the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) report was an effort to hinder Ibrahim’s visit.

Putin stated that their discussions encompassed a “comprehensive range” of both bilateral and international topics, leading to “concrete plans” for strengthening their partnership. He also mentioned that the next meeting of the Russian-Malaysian intergovernmental economic commission is planned for the fall.

Energy collaboration, particularly potential joint initiatives in the gas and nuclear sectors, emerged as a critical area for future growth.

Ibrahim, who is set to participate in the “Russia-Islamic World” forum in Tatarstan later this week, extended an invitation to Putin for the ASEAN summit in October.

Earlier on Wednesday, Ibrahim had a meeting with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, who highlighted the “favorable opportunities” available for cooperation in energy, industry, transportation, agriculture, and the digital economy.

Ibrahim expressed optimism about overcoming challenges related to sanctions that hinder economic collaboration and emphasized Malaysia’s interest in learning from Russia’s transition from reliance on food imports to achieving agricultural self-sufficiency.

In response to the sanctions imposed due to its 2014 annexation of Crimea, Russia has prohibited numerous Western food imports.