Anwar Ibrahim opens opportunity for Malaysia to import oil commodities from Russia

Kuala Lumpur (ANTARA) - Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has signalled that his country could negotiate to obtain petroleum commodities from Russia to fulfil its fuel requirements.

“In the current situation, the government, including Petronas, can negotiate with Russia to meet some of Malaysia’s needs as a friendly nation,” Anwar said in his speech at the opening ceremony of Sultan Ismail Petra Airport in Kelantan on Saturday (18/4), as per the verbatim text quoted in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday.

He explained that in the past, Europe had imposed sanctions on Russian oil imports, and the United States had enacted bans.

However, Europe and the US now need to provide space in the context of geopolitics and global economic realities.

He emphasised that Malaysians should be grateful for Malaysia’s good relations with Russia, allowing the country to negotiate with Russia on importing crude oil under the present conditions.

“So now, many countries are competing, negotiating, and requesting to buy oil from Russia. That’s interesting,” said Anwar.

Previously, Anwar Ibrahim had already explained the opportunity for his country to purchase crude oil from the Land of the Red Bear.

In a joint press statement with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, following their meeting in Malaysia on Thursday (16/4), Anwar stated that Malaysia has good relations with Russia and that he is mandated to protect the interests of the people.

“As a country, we maintain relations with many nations. Our largest investment and trade is still from the United States. Nevertheless, we have good bilateral relations with Russia,” Anwar Ibrahim said at the time.