KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 30 — The National Library has added a Bahasa Malaysia translation of a book on Russian history to mark the country's decades old links with Malaysia.

The book titled Sejarah Tamadun Dan Budaya Rusia was written by linguistic expert Prof Victor Pogadaev.

Pogadaev also contributed 31 items including books, dictionaries and a collection of poetry he wrote.

National Library director-general Datuk Nafisah Ahmad said the launch of the book and a companion exhibition, themed "History of Friendship,” would continue to promote close bilateral ties between the two nations.

"I hope this exhibition will educate people, especially our visitors, in understanding of the history, culture, political and economic ties between the two countries,” she said

Malaysia established ties with the former Soviet Union in 1967, with the country's first second minister, Tun Abdul Razak, visiting in 1972.

"I am confident that with 50 years of relationship, our cooperation will grow from strength to strength in the decades ahead,” she said.

The launch was officiated by Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Malaysia Valery Yermolov.

Yermolov said that while formal ties were formed in 1967, the two countries' relations stretched back further and has grown in the areas of economic, technical, cultural and scientific cooperation.

"Our cultural exchanges have been especially fruitful and there has been mutual interest in language as evidenced by this book which we hope will bring make the history of Russia accessible and interesting,” he said.

The exhibition at the National Library is open to the public for one month and includes an extensive collection of photographs documenting the ties between the two countries.

Among others, these include highlights of cooperation, diplomatic ties and cultural exchanges including Pogadaev's works.