Russia and Malaysia sign jets deal

By Jonathan Kent
in Kuala Lumpur

President Putin has offered Malaysia the skies and the stars

Russian president Vladimir Putin has signed a $900m (£562.5m) deal to supply fighter jets to Malaysia while on a visit to the south-east Asian nation.

Mr Putin said he hoped the sale would help open doors to the south-east Asian market for Russian high-tech goods.

But many Malaysians are likely to be more impressed that Mr Putin has offered them not just the skies, but the stars as well with suggestions that Russia might train the first Malaysian cosmonaut.

Despite President Putin's visit, the front pages of the Malaysian papers have for two days been dominated by the news that Abdul Malik Mydin has become the first Malaysian to swim English Channel.

'Malaysia can'

This country has a near-obsession with showing that Malaysians can go anywhere and do anything - their motto is "Malaysia Boleh", meaning Malaysia can.

Malaysians have been feted for climbing Mount Everest and the prime minister of the tropical country has made a high-profile visit to Antarctica.

In that context, President Putin has produced a master stroke.

He told TASS news agency that Russia might train the first Malaysian cosmonaut and launch him or her into space.

Jets deal

That suggestion is almost certain to captivate Malaysians and win Russia many friends here - and friendship produces dividends.

Malaysia has signed a $900m deal for Russian Sukhoi fighter jets

Mr Putin told a meeting of business leaders in Kuala Lumpur that south-east Asia is a significant potential market for the Russian technology sector.

The Malaysian and Russian leaders are expected to discuss international issues, including the aftermath of the US-led invasion of Iraq, which they both opposed.

It may be a reflection of cool relations with Washington that Malaysia's shown little sign that it is in a hurry to complete a billion dollar deal to buy American fighter planes.