GEORGE TOWN: Russian Navy ships are currently docked at the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal (SPCT) here.
RFS GROMKIY (335), RFS REZKIY (343), RFS ALDAR TSYDENZHAPOV (339) and PECHENGA arrived yesterday.
According to the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN)'s Facebook page, they were welcomed by a delegation led by the Naval Region 3 Base chief of staff Captain Yusman Darmawan, along with a delegation from the Russian Embassy in Malaysia.
"The operational visit by the Russian Navy is not only for resupply and crew rest but also coincides with the memorial ceremony of the 110th anniversary of the death of the Russian sailors, which will be held at two locations around Penang," it said.
Meanwhile, the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, had the honour of receiving a courtesy visit from Russian ambassador to Malaysia Naiyl Latypov, along with the Commander of the Russian Navy led by Commander of the Naval Group Captain 1st Rank Alexei Antisiferov and Honorary Consul of the Russian Federation in Penang, Datuk Teoh Seng Lee.
On MBPP's Facebook page, it said the courtesy visit from the Russian delegation took place in Komtar yesterday, in conjunction with the 110th anniversary of the Battle of Penang, which witnessed the sacrifices of the crew of the Russian warship ZHEMCUG in the waters of Penang in 1914.
To commemorate their contributions and sacrifices, the Russian Embassy, Honorary Consul, and the ship's crew will hold a military ceremony at two of the crew members' burial sites, the Western Road Cemetery and Pulau Jerejak.
Antsiferov in his speech said the visit played an important role in strengthening the relationship between Penang and Russia, while introducing a shared history that touches both parties.
"This visit not only contributes to the tourism sector in Penang, but we also thank you for your efforts in preserving the memory of the fallen heroes."
Earlier this month, two Chinese naval training ships docked in Penang waters.
According to China's Ministry of Defense, the naval training ship Qi Jiguang and amphibious dock landing ship Jinggangshan's were here as part of a three-day goodwill visit.