KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 4 — Malaysia has accepted Russia’s invitation to participate in the Brics Summit in Kazan from October 22 to 24, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said the invitation, extended by President Vladimir Putin himself during a working dinner, is a clear testament of Malaysia’s significance to Russia.
“This marks a significant step towards our ultimate goal of joining the group,” he said in a social media post today on his two-day visit to Russia to attend the 9th Eastern Economic Forum (EEF).
Brics is an intergovernmental organisation comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Anwar is set to address the plenary session of the EEF tomorrow.
He said that during the discussion, he and Putin both expressed their shared commitment to strengthening ties between Malaysia and Russia.
“As Malaysia continues to expand its geo economic space and diversify its strategic relationships, Russia will be a key partner that shares our vision for growth, prosperity, and development,” he said.
From Islamic finance to agriculture to education, Anwar said the potential for Malaysia and Russia to leverage their expertise for the mutual benefit of their peoples is immense.
“As we build on the commitments and shared visions discussed during this visit, I am optimistic the foundations laid today will lead to meaningful cooperation between Russia and Malaysia in the years to come,” he added.
Both countries also agreed that the international community must intensify pressure to end Israel’s ruthless genocidal campaigns in Gaza, said Anwar.
He expressed hope that Russia will pursue a constructive path towards a peaceful and sustainable resolution to the conflict in Ukraine, based on the foundations for a negotiated peace.
“Through continued engagement, I believe we can deepen our understanding during these challenging times,” he said in a post on X today.
— Bernama
