VALDIVOSTOK: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says President Vladimir Putin's personal invitation to attend the BRICS Summit in Russia next month reflects a priority accorded to Malaysia.
Malaysia is among arguably dozens of countries that have applied to become a BRICS member.
Anwar accepted the invitation, and the summit will be held in the Russian city of Kazan from Oct 22 to 24.
Putin extended the invitation during a protracted and substantive bilateral cum working dinner on Wednesday on the sidelines of the 9th Eastern Economic Forum (EEF 2024) here.
"So it seems that a priority is given to Malaysia," Anwar said at a press conference with the Malaysian media here today, adding that it is a clear testament to the importance Russia places on Malaysia.
Anwar said he would thoroughly consider attending or sending a representative to the summit given a hectic schedule next month.
On July 28, Anwar said Malaysia had sent an application to Russia to join BRICS following the courtesy call made by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on that day.
Russia currently chairs BRICS, which also includes Brazil, India, China, South Africa, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates.
It is considered the foremost geopolitical rival of the G7 bloc of some of the world's most developed nations.
Anwar downplayed any possible condemnation from other countries over Malaysia's potential participation in BRICS.
He said the only concern by other nations may be that joining the Russia-led grouping may affect diplomatic and economic ties.
"There may be concerns that BRICS will have a negative impact on the ties with other nations. I don't think (there is any condemnation)," Anwar said.
On Malaysia's chances of being accepted as a BRICS member, Anwar said it seemed positive.
This followed his previous conversations with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Putin and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.