Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim arrived in Russia on Thursday for what was the primary official go to by the nation’s premier in almost 20 years. Anwar met Russian President Vladimir Putin on the Kremlin, the place the leaders shared a light-hearted second whereas touring the St Andrew’s Corridor.
Earlier than participating in key discussions on bilateral relations, vitality cooperation, and the MH17 tragedy, they walked by the grand ceremonial chamber the place Putin pointed to the three ornate thrones and requested, “There are three thrones right here, one for the Tsar, the second for his spouse. Who do you suppose the third is for?”
With out hesitation, Anwar mentioned, “The second spouse,” drawing laughter from each delegations.
Putin responded, “That is the reply of a real Muslim, a real consultant of Islamic tradition.”
He added, “Our conventional values might not all the time be the identical, however the trade of knowledge is all the time helpful for each events.”
Anwar, laughing, clarified, “I solely have one spouse, Mr President.”
He went on to elucidate how he felt Putin was testing him, “He requested, ‘There are three chairs within the throne room. Which one is on the precise?’ I mentioned: ‘In fact, the spouse on the left, and the second spouse…’ Then I…I really feel the second on the left is for the mom.”
Putin confirmed, “Sure, the second throne is for the mom.”
Traditionally, the three thrones in St Andrew’s Corridor signify the Tsar, the Tsarina, and the Dowager Empress, the Tsar’s mom. The corridor itself is likely one of the Kremlin’s principal ceremonial rooms, usually reserved for presidential inaugurations and official state receptions.
Past the banter, the assembly was diplomatically important. Anwar and Putin mentioned strengthening cooperation in vitality, commerce, and defence, with each expressing curiosity in increasing expertise exchanges and joint ventures in renewable vitality and navy coaching. A delicate matter was the downing of Malaysia Airways Flight MH17.
Anwar raised the difficulty following a UN aviation council report blaming Russia for the 2014 tragedy that killed all 298 on board. Moscow has rejected the Worldwide Civil Aviation Group’s findings as biased and politically motivated. Malaysia maintains a impartial stance on the Russia-Ukraine struggle.