Bernama news agency reported that at the reception of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov during his visit to Malaysia on July 28, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said that Kuala Lumpur had submitted an application to join the BRICS group of emerging economies.
"Malaysia has sent a letter of application to join BRICS to Russia - the BRICS Chair in 2024 - and expressed its willingness 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 Prime Minister's Office in Putrajaya. Mr. Lavrov will visit Malaysia on July 27-28.
"Our discussions have mainly focused on Malaysia's application to join the BRICS alliance, currently chaired by Russia," Anwar noted.
He added: "This potential entry affirms our commitment to promoting strong international cooperation."
We have also discussed directions to strengthen bilateral cooperation, especially focusing on strengthening relations in key areas such as investment and trade, science and technology, agriculture, defense and the military, education, tourism and culture, said the Malaysian leader.
TASS reported that Foreign Minister Lavrov promised that as BRICS Chair, Russia would support Malaysia's admission and would help Malaysia promote partnerships 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 current situation in Palestine. Both Malaysia and Russia have stressed the urgent need for a permanent ceasefire, immediate humanitarian aid and recognized Palestine as a full member of the United Nations, Anwar said.
Regarding the conflict in Ukraine, Malaysia reiterated its stance that dialogue and diplomatic efforts are the path to a sustainable solution.
BRICS originally consisted of 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 Yvan Gil said he and Indian Ambassador to Caracas Shri PK discussed Venezuela's plans 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 October this year in Russia.
On June 20, the Thai Foreign Ministry said Bangkok had formally applied to join BRICS at the group's ministerial meeting held a week earlier, and hoped to soon be accepted as a BRICS member at the upcoming summit in Russia.
BRICS is pushing for a common currency to counter the US dollar, as well as a common payment system to replace the Western international payment system SWIFT.
Deputy Chairman of the Russian State Duma (Russian House of Representatives) Alexander Babakov said that the establishment of a separate payment system similar to SWIFT will help create a new economic reality for BRICS countries.
Mr. Babakov noted that the development and deployment of a separate payment system will help BRICS countries reduce their dependence on Western financial institutions and increase national financial autonomy.
BRICS has launched a de-dollarization program after the US imposed sanctions on Russia in February 2022 over its military campaign in Ukraine.
