Malaysia agreed to become a BRICS partner country

“We responded to Russia, which is the president of BRICS, that we agreed to be part of this association,” TASS quotes Lun Lai. He said Malaysia received an official invitation in mid-November 2024.

Speaking to the agency, the ambassador emphasized that the partnership will contribute to the development of Malaysia’s economy, including the tourism sector.

“And, of course, this will contribute to the growth of tourist flows in both countries,” Long Lai added.

In addition, the Asian country’s ambassador in Moscow said that Russia invited his country to discuss the possibility of introducing the Mir payment system. However, according to him, this is still not a priority issue for Malaysia.

A much more pressing issue for Malaysia and Russia is the launch of direct flights. As Lun Lai clarified, “this issue receives attention at the highest level”; It was also discussed in negotiations between Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Eastern Economic Forum.

“This issue is on the table. “It is in the interest of both Malaysia and Russia to find that opportunity,” the ambassador said.

Until 2024, the BRICS included Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. On January 1, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia also became members of the association.

At the BRICS summit in Kazan, participating states agreed on a list of countries that would be offered to become partners in the association, but this list has not yet been made public.