PETALING JAYA: Russian President Vladimir Putin's invitation to Malaysia for next month's BRICS Summit is a positive step, says the unity government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil.
Fahmi, who is also the communications minister, said as a non-aligned country, Malaysia had the right to establish relationships not only diplomatically but also economically with any nation.
"This is a positive and healthy development. The invitation from President Putin to Malaysia is a positive step and we hope it will yield benefits.
"As mentioned in the Prime Minister's (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) speech at the forum, Malaysia has become a focal point for Russian tourists, and we anticipate an increase in visitor numbers," he said at a press conference at the Asia News Network (ANN) Summit 2024 here today.
Also present were ANN adviser Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, ANN director and board member Datin Esther Ng and ANN board chairman and director Mahfuz Anam.
Fahmi said it would be a net positive for Malaysia if it could leverage its economic capabilities to enhance bilateral and multilateral trade relations with BRICS members.
"There are significant opportunities within BRICS. We know that India, China and Brazil are among the member countries," he said.
"If we can access the economic potential to enhance bilateral or multilateral trade relations, it would be a net positive for Malaysia," he said.
On Sept 4, Anwar said he would attend the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia from Oct 22-24.
Anwar had said he accepted Putin's invitation during a protracted and substantive bilateral cum working dinner session. The invitation, he added, was a clear testament to the importance Russia places on Malaysia.
On July 28, Anwar said Malaysia had sent an application to Russia to join BRICS following a courtesy call made by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on that day. Russia currently chairs BRICS, which 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.