Malaysia: PM to announce country's interest in joining BRICS during Putin meeting in Vladivostok

Malaysia's foreign ministry said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will announce his country's interest in joining BRICS during his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum.

“Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will pay a working visit to Russia on September 4 and 5 to participate in  the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok . A meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin is also scheduled. The Prime Minister and President Putin are expected to discuss cooperation in the context of the Russia-ASEAN trade partnership. The Prime Minister will also confirm Malaysia’s interest in joining BRICS,” the ministry said in a statement.

Kazan will host the BRICS summit, which includes 10 countries including Egypt, the UAE and Saudi Arabia, from October 22 to 24.

BRICS now represents 45% of the world's population and 36% of global GDP,  exceeding the G7's 30% contribution .

Since the beginning of this year,  Egypt, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Ethiopia have joined BRICS,  along with Russia, Brazil, India, China, and South Africa. 

It is noteworthy that about 23 other countries have expressed their desire to join the BRICS group.