Malaysia Seeks to Join BRICS Group of Nations
In a significant move, Malaysia has officially applied to join the BRICS group of nations, according to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The announcement was made during a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who is currently on a two-day visit to Malaysia.
Russia, which is this year’s rotating chair of the BRICS group, welcomed Malaysia’s interest in the organization and has pledged to support its membership bid. The BRICS group, founded in 2006, was initially composed of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. In January, the group expanded to include Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates.
The potential membership of Malaysia underscores the country’s commitment to fostering robust international collaboration, according to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. During the meeting, the two leaders also explored avenues to enhance bilateral cooperation in key areas such as investment and trade, science and technology, agriculture, defense and military, education, and tourism and culture.
The BRICS group now has a combined population of approximately 3.5 billion people, which is about 45% of the world’s inhabitants. The group’s economies are worth more than $28.5 trillion, accounting for around 28% of the global economy.
Malaysia’s bid to join the BRICS group is seen as a significant development in the country’s efforts to strengthen its international relationships and economic ties. The country is looking to expand its global presence and enhance its economic cooperation with other nations.
Source: Malaysian Prime Minister’s Office, Russian Foreign Ministry
