BRICS Membership To Offer Fairer Global Trade Landscape For Malaysia -- Russian Ambassador

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 8 (Bernama) --  Russia’s Ambassador to Malaysia, Naiyl Latypov welcomed Malaysia’s interest in joining BRICS, saying that the coalition offers a pathway to a fairer global trade system that would benefit smaller and developing nations.

Latypov described BRICS as committed to addressing an international trade order, currently dominated by certain countries maintaining their own rules.

“Large nations that dominate international trade always find ways how to protect their interests, sometimes at the expense of smaller and developing economies,” he told reporters after the signing of a memorandum of understanding between RusGrain Union and Melewar Industrial Group today.

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He expressed Russia’s readiness to support Malaysia’s BRICS membership, adding that it would strengthen Malaysia’s economic ties with major trading partners in the bloc, such as China and India.

“We are pleased that the Malaysian government has decided to join BRICS, and we are working closely with our Malaysian counterparts on this matter,” he said.

Latypov acknowledged, however, that Malaysia’s path to full membership might be challenging due to BRICS’s consensus-based decision-making structure.

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“It will be a long and difficult process, as we need to align on many issues,” he said, adding that despite these complexities, Malaysia’s participation could yield significant economic benefits.

The ambassador stressed that BRICS is not an alliance “against something or someone" but rather a coalition focused on building a “just and equal international order,” particularly in economic matters.

He added that Malaysia’s membership could open doors for expanded trade and investment opportunities, allowing it to benefit from a trade system centred on fairness and inclusivity.

“Smaller and developing nations often face greater economic hardships during global crises, in contrast to larger economies that can employ measures to safeguard their interests.

"BRICS provides countries like Malaysia a chance to participate in a balanced and inclusive trade environment, supporting economic resilience amid global challenges,” he added.

BRICS, originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India and China, was established in 2009 as a cooperation platform for emerging economies with South Africa joining in 2010.

The bloc later expanded to include Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Malaysia was officially recognised as one of the 13 new BRICS partner countries on Oct 24.

-- BERNAMA