Russia keen to get direct flights to Malaysia back on track

Vladivostok, August 13 - Re-establishing direct air travel between Russia and Malaysia is a top priority for Russia, as stated by Minister of Science and Higher Education Valery Falkov during a meeting of the bilateral intergovernmental commission, which he co-chairs, according to Sputnik/RIA Novosti. The fifth meeting of the Joint Russian-Malaysian Commission on Economic, Scientific, Technical, and Cultural Cooperation commenced in Vladivostok on Thursday.

Falkov emphasized that transport and logistics ties are steadily expanding, with new maritime transportation routes now active between the two nations. He highlighted that direct flights resuming is a key objective. Falkov also noted a positive trend in tourist exchanges, with 140,000 Russian citizens visiting Malaysia last year, while the number of Malaysian tourists in Russia is rising as well.

The minister pointed out digital technology as another promising area, noting Malaysia's active development in this field. He suggested that Russian companies could benefit from sharing their expertise in digitalization and urban development, and establishing a direct exchange of experience between cities and regions in implementing smart city solutions.

Falkov also underscored the significance of cooperation in the humanitarian sector and the progress made in strengthening educational ties.