By Rohani Mohd Ibrahim
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 14 (Bernama) -- Russia expects to field a large delegation and set up a sizeable pavilion at the Defence Services Asia (DSA) 2026 exhibition and conference here in April, said Russia’s Ambassador to Malaysia, Naiyl M. Latypov.
He also expressed optimism that Russia’s participation in DSA this year would be productive and further strengthen bilateral ties.
“Defence cooperation is an important element in Russia and Malaysia's bilateral ties. The sector has a very good history in our diplomatic relations, and it will also pave a bright future for both countries,” he told Bernama when met during the Russian Armed Forces Day reception here on Friday.
Chief of Defence Force General Datuk Malek Razak Sulaiman represented the Malaysian government at the event.
The 19th edition of DSA, DSA 2026, will be held from April 20 to 23 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) here.
Latypov said he hopes leaders of the Malaysian Armed Forces will visit Russia this year to meet their counterparts in the Russian Armed Forces and further explore avenues for cooperation.
He added that Russia is also looking forward to a stronger presence at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) 2027, with participation expected to surpass that of the 2025 edition.
The Russian Knights, an air force aerobatic demonstration unit, has been participating in LIMA since 1991.
Meanwhile, Military Attache of the Russian Embassy in Malaysia, Captain (Navy) Victor A. Shkulepa, in his speech, expressed appreciation to the leadership of the Malaysian Armed Forces and the Ministry of Defence for their role in fostering robust military-technical ties with Russia.
He noted that in terms of capacity-building efforts, the Royal Malaysian Air Force has demonstrated the highest level of mutual trust between the two countries.
“Russia is ready to contribute more to strengthening fruitful cooperation between our forces,” he added.
Russian Armed Forces Day is observed annually on Feb 23 and is a public holiday in Russia.
The occasion is also commemorated by Russian diplomatic missions worldwide. In Malaysia, however, the reception is held earlier in view of Ramadan.
Beyond official celebrations, the day is also observed within the Russian community at the societal and family levels, where wives and loved ones present gifts to their spouses, honouring them as heroes of their families.
-- BERNAMA
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