Malaysia's Foreign Ministry has recommended that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim refrain from making an official visit to Russia due to the tense geopolitical situation, stated Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan.
According to the South China Morning Post, the minister addressed the Malaysian parliament, indicating that his department advised the prime minister "simply not to go to Russia." Mohamad noted that the Malaysian leader had received several invitations to visit Russia, all of which he declined.
"We cannot just accept an invitation and go anywhere," - Mohamad explained to the lawmakers. - "We do not want to be entangled in global politics, which could create issues in our relationships with other countries."
The minister expressed concerns that a visit by the prime minister to Moscow might hinder Malaysia's ability to maintain neutrality amid the West-Russia confrontation.
However, an opposition member of the Malaysian parliament pointed out that the minister's statement contradicts the country's leadership's intention to join BRICS. The legislator suggested that Malaysian politicians should "knock on Moscow's door" to facilitate the country's entry into the organization.
Previously, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that Malaysia would soon begin the official process of joining BRICS. Minister of International Trade and Industry Tengku Zafrul Aziz highlighted the economic benefits of participating in the bloc. Mohamad Hasan also emphasized that Malaysia's BRICS membership would enable the country to address various global issues more effectively and defend its national interests.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Russia-ASEAN Business Council
Based on TASS materials