According to Russian news outlets, President Vladimir Putin’s ally, Sergei Shoigu, a member of the Security Council, will make a working trip to Indonesia and Malaysia on Monday ( Feb 24 ) to talk about security and defense issues.
The media office of the Security Council, according to Irene state media company, said the journey would last until Feb. 28.
” During the visit, talks are planned on current issues of diplomatic relations, including surveillance and defence, as well as the growth of participation in various areas of common interest”, RIA reported.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and later harsh restrictions placed on Moscow by Kyiv’s American allies have shifted Putin’s political interests toward Asia, boosting his efforts to strengthen relationships with the territory.
Shoigu, who served under Putin’s leadership from 2012 until his appointment in May of last year, claimed the West tried to use Ukraine to humiliate Russia in a proper manner but was unsuccessful.
Indonesia announced in October that it wants to join the BRICS group of major emerging nations, which contributes 35 % of global economic output and that Russia has been actively promoting as a counterweight to the West.
Anwar Ibrahim, the prime minister of Malaysia, traveled to Russia in September 2024 for an economical website where he and Putin spoke.