PETALING JAYA: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, has arrived safely in St Petersburg on Sunday (Jan 25) for a special visit to the Russian city at the invitation of President Vladimir Putin.
His Majesty’s aircraft touched down at Pulkovo International Airport at 2.38pm local time, marking the beginning of the maiden visit by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s to St Petersburg.
Upon arrival, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong was received by Leningrad Oblast Governor Alexander Yuryevich Drozdenko, Deputy Governor Yaroslav Anatolyevich Serov, and St Petersburg Committee for External Relations chairman Evgeny Dmitrievich Grigoriev.
Also present to welcome His Majesty was Malaysia’s Ambassador to the Russian Federation Datuk Cheong Loon Lai.
In a Facebook post, His Majesty noted St Petersburg as one of Russia’s most significant historical cities and had previously served as the country’s capital.
“Renowned for its classical architecture, rich cultural heritage and iconic landmarks, the city is a major centre for the arts and a key tourism destination in the Russian Federation.”
He said the city’s unique blend of history, culture and urban beauty continues to draw visitors from around the world, including Malaysians.
“Last year alone, more than 160,000 Malaysians visited St Petersburg.”
Sultan Ibrahim said the special visit underscores the importance of Malaysia–Russia ties and reflects growing people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, particularly in tourism and cultural engagement.