Malaysia says Brics chair Russia backs its bid to join bloc
Sign up now: Get insights on the biggest stories in Malaysia
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (left) met PM Anwar Ibrahim during his two-day visit to Malaysia that ended on July 27.
PHOTO: ANWAR IBRAHIM/FACEBOOK
KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry said Russia will back the South-east Asian country’s application to join the Brics economic bloc as Moscow looks to expand its influence into the Global South.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov made the assurance to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim during his two-day visit to Malaysia that ended on July 27, the Malaysian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Datuk Seri Anwar separately said the country has already submitted an application to join Brics – a group of emerging economies led by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – of which Moscow is the current chair.
“This potential membership holds substantial promise for both nations and underscores our commitment to fostering robust international collaboration,” said Mr Anwar in a Facebook post on July 28.
He first disclosed his interest in joining Brics in June, ahead of a visit by China Premier Li Qiang to Malaysia.
A Brics membership offers nations access to financing while also providing a political venue independent of Washington’s influence.
Mr Anwar, who has been critical of the US stance in the Israel-Hamas war, said Malaysia and Russia are on the same page in calling for a permanent ceasefire in the Middle East, immediate humanitarian relief and the recognition of Palestine as a full member of the United Nations.
Thailand – a US treaty ally – in May announced its own bid to join Brics.
For Russia and China, the interest in the bloc shows their success at pushing back at attempts by the US and its allies to isolate them more broadly over the war in Ukraine and military threats to Taiwan, the Philippines, South Korea and Japan.
Russia ranked as Malaysia’s eighth-largest trading partner among European countries in 2023.
Total bilateral trade increased by 15.6 per cent to US$3.1 billion (S$4.17 billion), compared with US$2.79 billion in 2022, according to Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry.
“We also explored avenues to enhance bilateral cooperation, with a particular focus on strengthening ties in key areas such as investment and trade, science and technology, agriculture, defence and military, education, and tourism and culture,” Mr Anwar said of his meeting with Mr Lavrov. BLOOMBERG
