Russia and Malaysia condemn terrorism and consider it crime against humanity - Russian parliament speaker

KUALA LUMPUR, March 15. /TASS/. Russia and Malaysia condemn any manifestations of terrorism and assess them as crimes against humanity, Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko said on Tuesday after the meeting with her Malaysian counterpart Abu Zahar Ujang. "Both Russia and Malaysia condemn any manifestations of terrorism no matter the place or the form, and assess them as crimes against humanity. We understand the importance of joining efforts in the fight against new threats," Matviyenko said. She added that the Islamic State (IS) terrorist organization is banned in Russia and Malaysia, and both countries "have an understanding of the importance of tough fight against it until it is completely destroyed." Matviyenko noted that both Russia and Malaysia emphasize that IS and other international terrorist organizations should not be equaled to Islam. "Islam is an old peaceful religion. This religion has nothing to do with extremism and terrorism," the speaker said. The lawmaker also said that Russia "highly values Malaysia’s independent and balanced policy." The positions of Moscow and Kuala Lumpur "are close or equal" on many international and regional problems. Matviyenko reminded that Malaysia currently serves as the non-permanent member of UN Security Council. She added that the foreign ministries of the two countries maintain regular contacts and "coordinate common approaches and views on these or those problems." "Both Russia and Malaysia support the establishment of multi-polar, fair and safe world order. Russia and Malaysia are against interference into internal affairs of sovereign countries and support the resolution of any problems and conflicts by peaceful political, diplomatic talks," she concluded. Read more