Putin keen on setting up aerospace university in Malaysia, says PM

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad says Russia is keen to set up an aerospace university in Malaysia.

“We are very interested in aerospace and engineering. I am confident that the proposal by Russia to set up an aerospace university would not only boost investment but also promote the transfer of technology in the sector," said the prime minister in Vladivostok, according to a report in the New Straits Times.

Speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) Russia 2019, the prime minister said Malaysia stood to gain knowledge and experience from Russia in the sector.

This followed a session he attended alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mongolian President Khalttmaagiin Battulga.

The EEF was launched by Putin in 2015 as a means of developing the far east of Russia.

Mahathir said that the Vladivostok region had the potential to attract Malaysian investments, especially in the tourism sector, adding that Malaysia’s location made it suitable for Russian investors to explore opportunities in Southeast Asia.

During a private meeting with Putin, the Russian leader agreed to share his country's experience and expertise in the fields of engineering, naval and aerospace technology.

Russia was the first nation to put a man in space, with cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin completing an orbit of the Earth on April 12, 1961.

Putin also referred to Malaysia as its leading partner in Asia.