PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is set to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in a few weeks.
“We will discuss economic cooperation and position Malaysia among the countries that defend a neutral stance without being enemies with anyone.
“Our principles are to always defend freedom, reject oppression and not allow any quarters or countries to oppress, insult, or murder innocents,” he said in his speech when launching the GXBank headquarters here on Friday (Aug 2).
Anwar said he would be travelling to Vladivostok at Putin's invitation.
In June, Anwar had said Malaysia would begin formal procedures to join the intergovernmental organisation BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa).
It was established in 2009 as a platform for cooperation among rapidly developing economies.
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The group has since welcomed Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as new members at its summit in August last year.
On the Gaza conflict, Anwar stressed that Malaysia stood firm on the issue from a humanitarian standpoint.
“There’s no point talking about independence and humanity when you are blind to the gross atrocities inflicted on innocent people, regardless of whether victims are Muslims, Christians, Hindus, or Buddhists.
“That is the position Malaysia takes and we will adhere to that without compromise,” he said.
