Honorable Dato’ Nafisah Ahmad, Director General of the National Library of Malaysia,

Tan Sri Tan Sri, Puan Sri Puan Sri, Datuk Seri Datuk Seri, Datin Seri Datin Seri, Datuk Datuk, Datin Datin, tuan tuan dan puan puan yang dihormati sekalian,

Your Excellencies Ambassadors and High Commissioners,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is my pleasure to welcome all of you today at the official opening of exhibition themed “Russia-Malaysia: history of friendship”.

First of all, I would like to express our appreciation to the National Library of Malaysia and Dato’ Nafisah Ahmad, for their support and invaluable contribution to organising this significant event.

As you may know, last year we celebrated the 50th Anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and Malaysia, which was plentifully commemorated with series of official and cultural events. Today we would like to present to you photos and copies of historic documents from our
archives, reminding once again about the Russian-Malaysian friendship and cooperation.

The history of our friendly ties dates back to 1967, when our countries signed trade agreement, followed by joint communiqué on diplomatic missions’ exchange. The first Ambassador of the Soviet Union to Malaysia, H.E. Vladimir Kuznetsov, arrived to Kuala Lumpur on March 24, 1968, and on April 10 he presented his Letter of Credence to His Majesty Yang Di-Pertuan Agong.

Since then, the Soviet Union and its successor, the Russian Federation have been represented by 12 Ambassadors. In our exhibition you can find photos of all of them, as well as unique pictures of regular high-level and top-level contacts, including state visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin to Malaysia and official visits by Prime Ministers of Malaysia to Russia. You will see that leaders and high-level officials of two counties regularly meet on the sidelines of different international events, especially in the framework of Russia-ASEAN dialogue partnership.

Besides political dialogue, regular meetings and exchanges of protocol messages, both countries are making great efforts to enhance Russian-Malaysian scientific, cultural and educational ties, including cooperation in Space exploration. You will have the chance to observe photos of bilateral cultural and sports events, launch of the first Malaysian astronaut Sheikh Muzafar Shukor to the Space Station, youth exchanges between universities within the “New Generation” program and participation of Malaysian delegation in the World Festival of Youth and Students in Sochi last year.

I am glad to announce that today we will hold yet another auspicious event – the official launch of the book on the history of Russian civilization and culture in Malay language titled “Sejarah Tamadun dan Budaya Rusia”, written by professor Victor Pogadaev.

Professor Pogadaev was among the first Russian students who arrived in Malaysia in 1970 to study at the University of Malaya through exchange program. Today he is a well-known orientalist and translator, specialising in the history and culture of South-East Asia. He translates literary works from Malay and Indonesian languages into Russian and vice versa.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I would like to thank you for joining us on this solemn occasion. I am confident that Russian-Malaysian friendship and cooperation will continue to prosper and open new horizons. I am sure that books on our countries’ historic and cultural heritage, translated to both languages, will contribute to enhancing and strengthening friendly ties between our people and nations.

Let me introduce professor Victor Pogadaev who will present to you his new book.