The two Russian naval ships docking at Sweetenham Pier in Penang. — Photos: ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
FOR the first time in over a century, the Russian Federation Navy ships came calling at Penang port for a goodwill visit.
Berthed at the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal (SPCT), the ships are part of its naval Pacific fleet, consisting of three frigates and one supply ship.
They were here to pay tribute to the 89 Russian soldiers who were killed in the Battle of Penang during World War I in 1914.
At a reception on one of the ships, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, who represented the Federal Government, said the non-aligned policy and neutrality advocated by the Malaysian government had led to the warm relations between Malaysia and Russia.
The ships’ crew singing Russian songs and (right) serving Russian food and drinks to guests.
“The Prime Minister’s recent visit to your country has further cemented the close ties between the two nations,” he said.
Russian Ambassador to Malaysia Naiyl M. Latypov said Russian sailors were here 110 years ago to defend this nation.
“The visit by your Prime Minister to our country is a testament that we can cooperate in so many areas for the mutual benefit of both nations, especially in halal products and education.
“We are also willing to cooperate in other fields, including defence with Malaysia,” added Latypov.
Penang Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo, who represented the state government, said more Russians should come to Penang, to be part of the growing foreign firms which had made the state a leading electronics and semiconductor hub in the region.
serving Russian food and drinks to guests.
Guests were entertained with Russian songs and treated to a scrumptious buffet spread of Russian food and drinks.
The four Russian ships were under the command of Captain 1st Rank Alexei Antsiferov and his officers.
The 110th memorial was for the sinking of the Russian cruiser, Zhemchug, off the coast of Penang during World War I.
Also present were Russian Federation honorary consul Datuk Teoh Seng Lee, Brigadier General Datuk Mohammad Razief Che Ahmad and Teluk Ewa port chairman Jeffrey Chew.
