PM to visit Russia tomorrow, to reiterate interest in BRICS membership

 

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is visiting Russia from Sept 4 to 5, marking his first trip to the country since taking office in November 2022.

PETALING JAYA: 

Advocating for Malaysia’s inclusion in the BRICS grouping of rising economies will be a key priority for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim during his two-day working visit to Russia from tomorrow.

The foreign ministry said in a statement that Anwar is expected to reiterate Malaysia’s interest in joining BRICS during his bilateral meeting with Russian president Vladimir Putin, as Russia currently holds the chairmanship of the bloc.

It was previously reported that Malaysia sent an application letter to join BRICS, led by Russia and China, at the end of July.

In addition to BRICS, Anwar and Putin are also expected to discuss Asean-Russia cooperation and exchange views on global issues, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the situation in the Middle East.

This meeting will provide an opportunity for both leaders to take stock and discuss bilateral relations, including trade and investment, higher education, technical and vocational education and training (TVET), agriculture and food security, tourism, and explore collaboration in new areas such as aerospace and advanced technologies,

 it added.

Wisma Putra said Anwar would also attend the 9th Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in Vladivostok on Sept 5, where he is scheduled to deliver an address at the plenary session.

The forum, themed 

Combining strength to create new potential

, will bring together high-level foreign and local dignitaries, policymakers, academics and industry leaders.

Wisma Putra said Anwar would be accompanied on this visit by foreign minister Mohamad Hasan; investment, trade and industry minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz; Selangor menteri besar Amirudin Shari; deputy economy minister Hanifah Hajar Taib; deputy agriculture and food security minister Arthur Joseph Kurup, and senior government officials.

This marks Anwar’s first official visit to Russia since assuming office in November 2022.

In 2023, Russia was Malaysia’s eighth largest trading partner among European countries, with total bilateral trade rising 15.6% year-on-year to RM14.22 billion compared to RM12.3 billion recorded in 2022. - FMT