Bernama news agency reported that during a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on his visit to Malaysia on July 28, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated that Kuala Lumpur had submitted an application to join the BRICS group of emerging economies.
"Malaysia has sent a letter requesting to join the BRICS organization to Russia - the BRICS Chair in 2024 - and expressed readiness to join BRICS as a member country or strategic partner," Bernama news agency quoted Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim received Foreign Minister Lavrov at Seri Perdana, the Prime Minister's Office, in Putrajaya. Lavrov visited Malaysia on July 27-28.
"Our discussions mainly focused on Malaysia's application to join the BRICS alliance, currently chaired by Russia," Prime Minister Anwar noted.
He added, "This potential membership underscores our commitment to fostering strong international cooperation."
"We also explored ways to enhance bilateral cooperation, particularly focusing on strengthening relations in key areas such as investment and trade, science and technology, agriculture, defense and military, education, tourism, and culture," the Malaysian leader said.
TASS reported that Foreign Minister Lavrov promised that as the BRICS Chair, Russia supports Malaysia's membership and will help Malaysia strengthen its partnership with BRICS.
Prime Minister Anwar confirmed Malaysia's intention to join BRICS to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva last month.
Prime Minister Anwar and Foreign Minister Lavrov also discussed the ongoing situation in Palestine. Anwar stated, "Both Malaysia and Russia emphasized the urgent need for a permanent ceasefire, immediate humanitarian relief, and the recognition of Palestine as an official member of the United Nations."
Regarding the conflict in Ukraine, Malaysia reiterated its stance that dialogue and diplomatic efforts are the path to a sustainable solution.
BRICS initially included Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. In January this year, BRICS welcomed Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as official members.
More and more countries are expressing interest in joining BRICS. Earlier this month, on July 4, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil stated that he and the Indian Ambassador to Caracas Shri P K had discussed Venezuela's intention to join BRICS. Accordingly, Venezuela hopes to join BRICS this year as an official member at the bloc's summit, scheduled to be held in Russia in October this year.
On June 20, the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Bangkok had officially submitted an application to join BRICS at the group's ministerial meeting held a week earlier, hoping to be accepted as a BRICS member soon at the upcoming summit in Russia.
BRICS is pushing the goal of establishing a common currency to counter the US dollar, as well as a common payment system to replace the Western SWIFT international payment system.
Russian State Duma Deputy Chairman Alexander Babakov stated that establishing a separate payment system similar to SWIFT would help create a new economic reality for BRICS countries.
Babakov noted that developing and implementing a separate payment system would help BRICS countries reduce dependence on Western financial institutions and increase national financial autonomy.
BRICS launched a de-dollarization program after the US imposed sanctions on Russia in February 2022 for its military campaign in Ukraine.
