Russia announces Malaysia’s readiness to become full BRICS member

Malaysia meets the criteria to obtain full BRICS membership, said Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Aleksey Overchuk, as reported by BERNAMA, a TV BRICS partner.

According to him, the member states of the group are currently discussing Malaysia’s intention to join the group.

“BRICS countries exchange views on global issues and views on common approaches to strategic issues that shape our modern world. In that sense, of course, Malaysia fits that criteria quite well,” he told journalists during the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Kuala Lumpur.

Earlier, President of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva stated that his country is ready to support Malaysia’s possible accession to BRICS as a full member. Currently, Malaysia is a partner country of the group.

During the ASEAN events, Overchuk also emphasised that BRICS and the Association possess significant potential for cooperation, as both frameworks build relations based on mutual respect and sovereign equality. He noted that BRICS is already exploring new formats of interaction.

The Russian Deputy Prime Minister also addressed the 20th East Asia Summit (EAS), according to the Russian government’s press service. He noted that ASEAN countries are showing great interest in the Northern Sea Route.

“We are establishing new container shipping routes with the Southeast Asian countries and working on the development of the Northern Sea Route,” he said.

Overchuk paid special attention to supporting regional states in their efforts to combat natural disasters.

“Southeast Asia is the region most exposed to natural calamities on our planet. Russia will continue to assist the countries in this region in dealing with their consequences,” the Deputy Prime Minister stressed.

In addition, he pointed out the vast opportunities for cooperation in the energy sector, recalling that Russia remains a reliable supplier of traditional energy resources.

Photo: Government of Russia