PETALING JAYA: Malaysia will actively promote engagement between Asean and BRICS with the aim of regional and economic cooperation, says Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
The Foreign Minister said this will be among the matters Malaysia will raise during the BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil during his visit on Monday and Tuesday (April 28 and 29).
"As Asean Chair for 2025, Malaysia will actively advocate for deeper engagement between Asean and BRICS aimed at fostering regional cooperation, enhancing economic collaboration," he said in a statement on Monday.
He added that he would also look at reinforcing collective efforts towards a fairer, more sustainable global economy.
The BRICS foreign ministers meeting is one of the important precursors to the BRICS Leaders’ Summit, scheduled to take place on July 6 and 7 under Brazil’s chairmanship.
The meeting also marks the first gathering of foreign ministers from BRICS member and partner countries for this year.
Malaysia officially attained BRICS partner country status on Jan 1.
On the BRICS meeting, Mohamad said Brazil will focus on six priority areas.
Among the topics to be raised are global health, trade, investment and finance.
Other topics included for discussion are climate change, artificial Intelligence (AI), reform of the peace and security multilateral system, and the institutional development of BRICS.
"These priorities resonate strongly with Malaysia’s national interests and its commitment to inclusive and sustainable development.
"In particular, the emphasis on trade and investment is apt and timely, given the growing uncertainties in the global economic landscape, in the wake of the United States’ unilateral tariffs," added Mohamad.
He said Malaysia will also take the opportunity to share its perspectives and strategic priorities on pressing global issues.
He is also scheduled to deliver Malaysia’s national intervention during a dedicated session focused on “The Role of the Global South in Reinforcing Multilateralism”.
The intervention reflects Malaysia’s steadfast commitment to strengthening multilateralism and amplifying the voice and interests of developing countries, aligned with the core objectives of BRICS 2025.
