KUALA LUMPUR, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia's efforts to participate in the BRICS align with its aspirations for greater engagement within the Global South and recognition of the group's growing influence, a Malaysian official said on Wednesday.
The grouping rather than being a military alliance is a platform for international trade and cooperation, and Malaysia's participation in the grouping follows its membership in several intergovernmental organizations including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan told parliament in a briefing on the country's foreign engagements.
"BRICS is also championing the agenda Global South in addressing global development imbalances. It also coincides with Malaysia's aspirations to highlight the importance of the Global South and strengthen multilateral economic cooperation," he said.
"BRICS are complementary and value-adding, and strengthening more confidence, discretion, and understanding between countries. Malaysia's participation in BRICS provides an opportunity to strengthen the country's position at the global level," he said.
Mohamad Hasan also asserted that Malaysia will not recognize and participate in unilateral sanctions and instead calls for fair and open trade.
"As a trading nation, it is important that Malaysia has good relations with all countries, in our efforts to explore trade and investment opportunities," he noted. ■