It’s not every day that a golden aircraft glides onto a Russian runway — but that’s exactly what happened when Malaysia’s monarch, King Sultan Ibrahim, made his grand entrance in Kazan.
His arrival marks a historic moment, as it’s the first-ever state visit to Russia by a Malaysian head of state.
And to make the welcome even sweeter? He was greeted right on the tarmac with chak-chak, a traditional Tatar treat made of crispy dough soaked in honey.
A Warm Kazan Welcome with Honey and Tradition
As the golden jet came to a stop and the royal steps unfolded, Tatarstan’s Head Rustam Minnikhanov was already there, waiting to personally welcome the king.
Without missing a beat, Sultan Ibrahim stepped off his plane and was offered the honey-drizzled chak-chak, which he began tasting immediately.
For those unfamiliar, chak-chak is a beloved dessert in Tatar and other Eastern cultures.
It’s made by deep-frying small pieces of dough, drenching them in syrupy honey, and arranging them into mound-like shapes.
Sweet, sticky, and steeped in tradition — it was the perfect gesture to kick off this diplomatic milestone.
The First Time a Malaysian Monarch Visits Russia
Though the airport moment was eye-catching, the visit itself is even more significant.
The king had earlier touched down in Moscow at Vnukovo-2 Airport to begin his five-day state visit, running from August 5 to 10.
This marks the first official visit by a Malaysian monarch to Russia since diplomatic relations began — a moment of real historical importance for both nations.
From Moscow to Tatarstan: A Full Schedule of Diplomatic Engagements
The king’s itinerary includes high-level meetings in both Moscow and Tatarstan.
While in the Russian capital, Sultan Ibrahim is set to meet with none other than President Vladimir Putin, along with attending a number of official events.
Following his time in Moscow, the monarch’s journey continues to Tatarstan, where he’ll dive into regional engagements and deepen ties with Rustam Minnikhanov and other local leaders.
It’s a mix of cultural diplomacy, political partnership, and a bit of royal charm along the way.
