KUALA LUMPUR: Expanding trade and investment ties, as well as exploring cooperation in strategic sectors and new technologies, will be among the key issues discussed at the Fifth Malaysia-Russia JC-ESTC Meeting in Vladivostok, Russia.

Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir said the meeting would also focus on strengthening research and innovation networks, while enhancing cooperation between higher education institutions in both countries.

“In higher education, Malaysia will focus on expanding student and academic mobility, joint research, university-to-university cooperation, and talent development in science, technology and future strategic fields.

“The meeting will also allow both countries to assess progress on previously agreed matters, address challenges and identify new priority areas for joint implementation,” he said in a Facebook post today.

Zambry, who is leading the Malaysian delegation to the meeting from tomorrow until Saturday (Aug 15), said he was welcomed upon arrival in Vladivostok by Russian Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education Konstantin Mogilevsky.

He is scheduled to co-chair the meeting with Russian Minister of Science and Higher Education Valery Falkov.

On the JC-ESTC, established in 2015, Zambry said Malaysia wants the platform to be action-oriented and focused on outcomes that bring direct benefits to the people and economies of both countries.

“Good relations between both countries must be translated into projects, investments, expertise exchanges, technology development and new opportunities.

“Malaysia and Russia have complementary strengths, particularly in science, technology, energy, higher education and human capital development. There is significant potential to further strengthen cooperation based on mutual interests and respect,” he said.

Zambry expressed hope that the meeting would open a new chapter in strategic ties between Malaysia and Russia and lead to concrete agreements and follow-up actions.