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Malaysia’s engagement with BRICS is creating new space for international cooperation. The country is participating as a partner state. Russia’s Ambassador to Malaysia, Naiyl Latypov, says this role strengthens Malaysia’s ability to link ASEAN with other regional blocs.
During Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship, Brazil, as the BRICS chair, was invited to the ASEAN Summit. This brought all BRICS members to the same table at the East Asia Summit for the first time. Latypov says this moment shows the value of cross‑platform diplomacy.
Russia believes Malaysia can help strengthen cooperation between ASEAN, BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and the Eurasian Economic Union. These linkages, he says, support predictable rules in global affairs. They also reflect growing calls from the Global South for collective representation.
Latypov says Malaysia’s choices on trade, including its agreements with the United States, are its own. He says Russia takes no position on Malaysia’s bilateral decisions. What matters, he adds, is that Malaysia acts in its national interest.
He also rejects claims that BRICS is anti‑Western. He says the bloc is a platform for countries that want independent foreign policies. Discussions on de‑dollarisation, he notes, are not about hostility toward the US currency. They are a response to concerns that the dollar can be used as a geopolitical weapon.
Malaysia’s participation comes at a time when states across the Global South are calling for more influence in global governance. Its BRICS role is expected to expand economic and political cooperation with major emerging economies. [infobrics.org]
Source: INFO BRICS
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