Malaysia has applied to Join BRICS – Anwar

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said today Malaysia has sent an application to Russia to join the BRICS intergovernmental organisation. Anwar said in a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office and carried by Malaysian news Agency (BERNAMA) that Malaysia's desire to join the BRICS organisation was the main essence of his discussion with visiting Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who called on the prime minister today at the Seri Perdana Complex. "Malaysia has sent a letter of application to join the (BRICS) organisation to Russia as the BRICS chairman, besides expressing openness to participate as a member country or strategic partner," he said. On June 18, Anwar confirmed Malaysia's intention to join BRICS to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. During the nearly hour-long meeting, Anwar and Lavrov also discussed strengthening Malaysia-Russia relations and expanding cooperation in various sectors, including trade, investment, security, defense, higher education, science and technology, tourism, and culture. BRICS, which initially included Brazil, Russia, India, and China, was established in 2009 as a cooperation platform for emerging economies, with South Africa joining the bloc in 2010. The bloc now has been expanded to include Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates. Source: Emirates News Agency