RUSSIA OPTIMISTIC ON VISA-FREE TRAVEL DEAL WITH MALAYSIA, SAYS AMBASSADOR

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 10 (Bernama) -- Russia hopes its long-pending proposal for a reciprocal visa-free travel agreement with Malaysia will be realised soon, with both sides now working to finalise the remaining technical details, Russian Ambassador to Malaysia Naiyl Latypov said.

He said the negotiations, which began in 2014, had resumed actively this year, with Moscow submitting the latest draft agreement to Kuala Lumpur in late October.

“There are very slight differences in our positions. We are now waiting for the Malaysian side’s response, and I hope that we will be able to find a mutually acceptable solution,” he told a media briefing on Wednesday.

Latypov emphasised that any agreement must be based on reciprocity, as Malaysians currently require visas to enter Russia while Russians do not need visas for Malaysia.

He said the proposed arrangement would allow visa-free entry for all categories of short-term travellers, including tourists and students, but would exclude long-term stays for work or diplomatic postings, which require separate permits.

The ambassador also noted a strong and growing interest among Russians to travel to Malaysia, with about 130,000 arrivals recorded between January and November this year, compared with only 4,000 Malaysians visiting Russia in the same period.

He said a visa-free regime would help correct this imbalance and strengthen people-to-people ties.

To attract more Malaysian visitors, Russia has expanded its e-visa system, allowing Malaysians to apply online and receive approval within three days.

It is also promoting a more Muslim-friendly travel environment, including wider availability of halal food, halal-certified hotels, and certification frameworks recognised by Malaysia’s Department of Islamic Development (JAKIM).

Acknowledging the absence of direct flights remains a key challenge to tourism growth, Latypov said discussions between the two countries’ transport ministries are ongoing, although issues related to refuelling, insurance and sanctions continue to complicate airline operations.

“Nevertheless, if it is mutually beneficial for both countries and for businesses, we will find a solution. We are on the right track,” he said.

The ambassador added that cultural cooperation is also expanding, including the opening of Russian language centres in Universiti Malaysia Pahang and Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, and plans to introduce “Moscow City Culture Days” in Kuala Lumpur next year.

He expressed hope that Malaysia would initiate similar programmes in Russia to boost mutual understanding.

“Malaysians are welcome to Russia. We are doing our best to create a convenient atmosphere for Malaysian travellers,” he said.

-- BERNAMA