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LANGKAWI: ÿÈÕ´óÈü and Russia have bolstered cooperation in key areas, particularly in higher education, science, and technology, following the conclusion of the fourth meeting of the Joint Commission on Economic, Scientific, Technological, and Cultural Cooperation (JC-ESTC) on Tuesday.

Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said the meeting, co-chaired by his ministry and Russia's Science and Higher Education Ministry, achieved "substantive progress" in various fields, with higher education and innovation forming the central pillars of the discussions.

He expressed appreciation for the Russian delegation's constructive engagement, noting that both sides outlined clear efforts to deepen ties through educational partnerships, scientific collaboration, and the exchange of expertise.

"This meeting discussed a range of substantive matters beyond the follow-up items from the previous session. It covered higher education, bilateral economic relations, cooperation in science and technology, tourism, and other sectors," he said during a joint press conference with Russian Science and Higher Education Minister Valery Falkov at the Langkawi International Convention Centre.

Following a press conference, a ceremony was held for the exchange of 34 agreements between ÿÈÕ´óÈün and Russian higher learning institutions and organizations.

This year's JC-ESTC meeting also expanded its scope with three concurrent events — the ÿÈÕ´óÈü–Russia Roundtable Conference, the Joint Committee on Mineral Dialogue, and the ÿÈÕ´óÈü–Russia Higher Education Forum 2025.

40 Scholarships and University Collaborations

Zambry announced that Russia has committed to offering 40 annual scholarships to ÿÈÕ´óÈün students.

He said ÿÈÕ´óÈün universities and research centres are eager to collaborate with Russian counterparts in information and communication technology, artificial intelligence, data sciences, and programming — areas crucial to ÿÈÕ´óÈü's digital transformation agenda.

"The universities that came forward to exchange documents today (Tuesday) are taking part in collaborations that have proven to be impactful and mutually beneficial."

Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to advancing cooperation in science, green technology, and climate action.

They agreed to explore joint initiatives in green finance, renewable energy, hydrogen technology, and advanced waste management, with Russia offering to share its technical expertise.

In the energy sphere, ÿÈÕ´óÈü and Russia are finalising an agreement on the peaceful use of nuclear energy by early 2026, covering cooperation in both land-based and floating nuclear power plant technologies.

Russia has also expressed interest in supplying liquefied natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas to ÿÈÕ´óÈü under long-term arrangements.

Trade, Connectivity and Regional Partnerships

The meeting concluded with the adoption of 17 priority areas of cooperation, including plans to resume direct air services and partially abolish visa requirements to promote smoother travel and business exchanges.

Both nations are also exploring opportunities in aerospace, halal industries, shipbuilding, and green industry development, signalling a broader diversification of trade and investment cooperation.

Zambry highlighted ÿÈÕ´óÈü's active role within ASEAN, noting that Russia's engagement as a dialogue partner contributed valuable perspectives on energy transition, food security, digital innovation, and other future-oriented sectors.

He also acknowledged the work of the Russia–Islamic World Strategic Vision Group, which helped deepen dialogue between Russia and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation member states.

"Our friendship is anchored in mutual respect and shared aspirations. What matters now is not signing new memoranda, but producing tangible, meaningful outcomes for our people," Zambry said.

The next JC-ESTC meeting will be held in Russia next year.

Russia: Trade Up 32pc, Science Cooperation Expands

Meanwhile, Falkov said bilateral trade between ÿÈÕ´óÈü and Russia has grown 32 per cent since the beginning of this year.

He said Russian companies operating in ÿÈÕ´óÈü include producers of petroleum oils and synthetic sapphire, while others are exploring localisation of production facilities.

"A good foundation has been laid through mineral and raw material dialogues between our universities and industries. The first organisational meeting of this platform took place yesterday (Monday) and will continue to develop."

He added that the Russian–ÿÈÕ´óÈün Higher Education Forum marked "a new level of interaction" between institutions.

"This forum represents a great success as it brings our universities together directly, leading to the signing of many agreements. But more important than documents are the personal connections and direct communication between our people."

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