PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim confirmed his upcoming official visit to Russia, aimed at strengthening economic ties between the two nations. He is scheduled to travel to Vladivostok in the coming weeks at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin, where discussions will focus on trade relations.
Speaking at the inauguration of GXBank’s new headquarters and its initiative “GX Untuk Semua,” Anwar noted Malaysia’s commitment to open-mindedness in international relations.
“This aims to make us one of the countries showing open-mindedness and taking the approach of not making enemies out of anyone.”
Anwar reiterated Malaysia’s long-standing principles of defending freedom and opposing oppression, highlighting the country’s dedication to an open trade policy.
Moreover, this visit comes amid Malaysia’s recent move to join the BRICS intergovernmental organisation which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
The Prime Minister’s Office reported that Malaysia’s application to join BRICS was a key topic during Anwar’s meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at the Seri Perdana Complex in Putrajaya last Sunday (July 28). Lavrov confirmed Russia’s acknowledgment of Malaysia’s application.
Earlier, on June 18, Anwar had discussed Malaysia’s intention to join BRICS with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. The organisation was initially formed in 2009 as a platform for rapidly developing economies, with South Africa joining in 2010.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan previously advised caution regarding official visits to Russia due to ongoing geopolitical tensions. He noted the importance of carefully evaluating such invitations to avoid entanglement in complex global politics and potential diplomatic issues.
Furthermore, Mohamad revealed that Malaysia is engaged in discussions with Brazil about joining BRICS, aiming to become a member by the time Malaysia assumes the ASEAN chairmanship next year. – Aug 2, 2024
Main photo credit: SCMP
