Rio de janeiro: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is set to reinforce the importance of multilateralism amid a rapidly polarising global landscape and Malaysia’s unwavering commitment to a more balanced, inclusive world order at the 17th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from July 6-7.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Acting Head of Mission of the Malaysian embassy in Brasilia, Datuk Mohammad Ali Selamat, stated that the Prime Minister will deliver a statement entitled: ‘Strengthening Multilateralism, Economic-Financial Affairs and Artificial Intelligence,’ during the session for BRICS partner countries on Sunday. An additional statement on ‘Environment, COP30 and Global Health’ will be delivered on Monday.
Mohammad Ali conveyed in a virtual session from Braslia that both interventions reflect Malaysia’s steadfast commitment to strengthening multilateralism and amplifying the voice and interests of developing countries, aligned with the core objectives of BRICS 2025. Anwar is expected to arrive in Rio de Janeiro this morning after concluding his official visit to France on Friday.
The Prime Minister will highlight the importance of multilateralism through constructive dialogue and inclusive collaboration. Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair, promotes regional cooperation through digital transformation, Artificial Intelligence governance, and more inclusive trade. In the second session, Anwar will focus on addressing global health issues and climate change through international cooperation, while also emphasizing efforts to strengthen climate financing towards a sustainable transition.
As Chair of ASEAN 2025, Malaysia is keen on strengthening ties between the two groupings to enhance regional economic cooperation that contributes to collective efforts toward building a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable global economy during the BRICS Leaders’ Summit, themed ‘Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.’
Malaysia’s participation in the summit is in its capacity as a BRICS Partner Country and as Chair of ASEAN 2025. Malaysia officially became a BRICS Partner Country on January 1 this year. The BRICS group, initially established by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, later expanded with the inclusion of South Africa in 2011, followed by Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates in 2023, and Indonesia in 2024.
Anwar’s visit to Rio de Janeiro includes a business meeting with Brazil’s multinational aerospace corporation, Embraer. His delegation includes Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, senior government officials, and representatives from Malaysian companies.
Mohammad Ali noted that bilateral trade between Malaysia and Brazil increased by 14.6 percent to RM20.35 billion (US$4.38 billion) in 2024. Malaysia’s exports to Brazil include electrical and electronic products, rubber products, petroleum products, chemicals and chemical products, and palm oil-based manufactured products, while imports include metalliferous ores, meat, coffee, and crude petroleum.
The Malaysian Foreign Ministry also announced that Anwar is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with counterparts from BRICS member and partner countries during the summit. The summit is set to mark the first gathering of heads of state and government from BRICS member and partner countries, under Brazil’s Chairmanship.
Rio de Janeiro is renowned for its iconic beaches, the towering Christ the Redeemer statue, and the famous ‘Carnaval do Rio de Janeiro’, a celebration regarded as the largest in the world.