Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu is on an official visit to Indonesia and Malaysia. According to Russian news agencies, the visit, which will last until February 28, will include talks on defense and security issues.
Shoigu will discuss bilateral relations between Russia and the two countries, defense cooperation and regional security issues. This visit is considered as part of Russia’s efforts to strengthen its ties with Asia. Due to the sanctions imposed by Western countries, Moscow has accelerated its steps to improve its relations with Asian countries. Sergey Shoigu, who previously served as Russian Defense Minister between 2012 and 2024, stated that the West’s efforts to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia through Ukraine failed. On the other hand, Indonesia announced in October that it wanted to join the BRICS group. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim visited Russia last September and met with President Vladimir Putin at an economic forum. Shoigu’s visit is expected to make a significant contribution to Russia’s efforts to strengthen diplomatic and military cooperation in Asia.
