Russia ready to help in independent MH17 probe, Putin tells Malaysia PM Anwar
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Russian President Vladimir Putin and Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim delivering a joint media statement following their talks at the Kremlin in Moscow on May 14.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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MOSCOW – Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Russia was ready to assist in an independent investigation into the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 after the UN’s aviation council blamed it for the tragedy
Russian President Vladimir Putin had insisted on a meticulous and thorough investigation of the incident that was free from political influence, Datuk Seri Anwar said.
“Russia is ready to provide all cooperation to ensure that the report was more credible or authoritative,” the Malaysian Premier told reporters on May 14 in Moscow, where he was on an official visit.
The Kremlin rejected the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s ruling
Mr Putin refuted claims that Russia was reluctant to cooperate, and said that the Kremlin was prepared to engage with bodies that it deemed impartial, according to Mr Anwar.
The downing of MH17 over Ukraine and the disappearance of MH370 the same year have had severe financial consequences for Malaysia Airlines, driving a share price slump that eventually saw the company delisted from the Kuala Lumpur stock exchange.
Malaysia Aviation Group, Malaysia Airlines’ parent company, is now owned by the country’s sovereign wealth fund Khazanah Nasional.
The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) is in talks with Khazanah on potentially setting up a Russian-Malaysian Investment Fund, RDIF chief executive Kirill Dmitriev, who is also Mr Putin’s investment envoy, said on Telegram.
Separately, Russian Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev said on May 14 his country was discussing investments in Malaysia’s gas infrastructure and proposed gas trading, Interfax reported.
Mr Anwar also invited Mr Putin to visit Malaysia during the Asean summit in October, according to Interfax. Malaysia is the current chair of the 10-member bloc.
Mr Anwar is scheduled to travel to Kazan from Moscow on May 15. BLOOMBERG
