Latest news with #BRICSMinistersofForeignAffairsMeeting
New Straits Times
29-04-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
BRICS meeting: Malaysia calls on Global South to shape new world order
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has called on the Global South countries to take the opportunity to shape a new world order that is fairer and more balanced amid growing instability and fragility in the current global system. The Global South refers to developing countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America and Oceania that are striving for a more balanced voice in the international system. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said recent changes in the global economic landscape, including the United States' tariff issues, should not be seen as a threat to multilateralism. He said, just like other nations, Malaysia is also affected and many observers view the situation as the 21st century's greatest threat to multilateralism. "While the concerns are well-founded, the situation we are facing now is not a threat. On the contrary, it is a revelation and an opportunity. It reveals the fact that the modern era global order is now on the verge of its end. "The stability and security of the world economy that hegemony has promised is now increasingly eroding. Therefore, we need to pioneer a new path forward," he said in his speech at the BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, today. He said the situation opens up space for developing countries to strengthen international cooperation based on their strengths. Therefore, he rejected the notion that developing countries are not valuable partners simply because their economic strength is smaller than that of developed countries. "It is a grave mistake to state, as a television host recently put it, that Global South countries are not valuable partners simply because we are 'poor'. "It should now be clear to any educated observer that the Global South as a collective is increasingly becoming a major actor in the changing global order," he said. Mohamad said Asean has proven the potential of the Global South when it is now the world's fifth-largest economic power with a gross domestic product (GDP) of US$3.8 trillion and a population of 677 million people. "Asean has huge purchasing power, an excellent record in world exports, and practices open-minded diplomacy. "As the Asean chairman this year, Malaysia is leading the region with an approach based on economic integration and strategic diversification," he said. Meanwhile, Mohamad also stressed the importance of the Global South countries seizing the opportunity to shape a new world order that is more just, inclusive and balanced. He said that BRICS, as an international forum representing a large portion of the world's population, needs to drive economic, political and social cooperation based on the principles of justice and shared development. "BRICS is not just a forum, but a force for economic resilience, political balance and social progress. Through collective efforts, we can offer a vision of a new, more just world," he said. Commenting further, Mohamad said Malaysia supports the priorities outlined by the BRICS Chair Brazil this year, which include efforts to address climate change, strengthen global health, expand the digital economy and develop responsible governance of artificial intelligence (AI). He said the Global South needs to lead the call for a just energy transition, ensuring climate finance is accessible, affordable and tailored to the needs of developing countries. "Malaysia looks forward to the COP-30 Conference in Belém, with the hope that bold steps that balance environmental responsibilities with economic opportunities can be realised," he said. In the global health area, Mohamad stressed that the Covid-19 pandemic has proven the importance of true cooperation between all countries. "The pandemic has taught us that no country is safe until all countries are safe. The global crisis exposed how fragile we are without true cooperation. Deep inequalities still exist, driven by economic and political gaps," he said. In this regard, he added, Malaysia is ready to work with BRICS to strengthen the health system through a hybrid public-private financing model that emphasises affordability and sustainability. On the digital economy, he said, efforts to accelerate the development of digital infrastructure and increase digital literacy across the Global South countries need to be intensified to bridge the digital divide and harness the potential of cross-border digital trade. In his speech, Mohamad also touched on AI, with Malaysia calling for responsible and inclusive AI governance. "AI should be a bridge to bridge the gap, not widen it (the gap) by prioritising ethical use, data fairness and access to skills. "We can ensure that AI becomes a catalyst for opportunity and innovation, which empowers all countries to thrive. Malaysia welcomes closer cooperation among BRICS to bridge the AI gap," he said.
The Star
29-04-2025
- Business
- The Star
Asean a key bridge at BRICS meet
PETALING JAYA: Highlighting the role of Asean as a constructive bridge during the BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs Meeting in Brazil is crucial in light of recent global happenings, say geopolitical experts. Institute of Strategic Analysis and Policy Research (Insap) chairman Datuk Dr Pamela Yong characterised Malaysia's participation in the meeting as particularly timely and a strategic move, given the recent developments on the global stage. 'With the global trade system facing unprecedented disruption, particularly due to recent unilateral actions by major economies like the United States, there is an urgent need for Asean to act as a collective voice for developing nations,' she said when contacted yesterday. She added that the meeting would not merely provide a platform for engagement to strengthen its stance on multilateralism, but also ensure that Asean's priorities are highlighted. 'It is also about ensuring that Asean priorities, from trade resilience to sustainable growth, are represented in shaping a more inclusive and predictable global framework. 'Rather than being caught between competing powers, Malaysia's leadership aims to position Asean as a constructive bridge and an advocate for the Global South,' she said. Yong's views come in the wake of the BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs Meeting in Rio de Janeiro held yesterday and today, attended by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan (pic). 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 members and partner countries for this year. It will concentrate on six priority areas: global health, trade, investment and finance, climate change, artificial intelligence, and the reform of the peace and security multilateral system, alongside the institutional development of BRICS. Malaysia officially attained BRICS partner country status on Jan 1. In a statement, Mohamad expressed that Malaysia will actively promote engagement between Asean and BRICS with the aim of enhancing regional and economic cooperation. 'As Asean Chair for 2025, Malaysia will actively advocate for deeper engagement between Asean and BRICS aimed at fostering regional cooperation and enhancing economic collaboration,' he said. He added that the meeting would look into ways to reinforce collective efforts towards a fairer, more sustainable global economy, which resonates strongly with Malaysia's national interests and commitment to inclusive 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 is also scheduled to deliver Malaysia's national intervention during a dedicated session focused on 'The Role of the Global South in Reinforcing Multilateralism', which reflects Malaysia's steadfast commitment to strengthening multilateralism and amplifying the voices of developing countries. Meanwhile, Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research senior fellow Dr Azmi Hassan said the multilateralism approach taken by Malaysia would resonate well during the meeting. 'We do not want to bring Asean closer to any particular global power, such as China or the United States, but we want to raise our stand on multilateralism. It will show that we should be talking to all countries,' he said. He added that highlighting the role of the Global South was also crucial during the meeting. 'While only four Asean nations are part of BRICS, all 10 Asean members are part of the Global South,' he said.
The Star
28-04-2025
- Business
- The Star
Malaysia to push for greater Asean-BRICS cooperation at foreign ministers' meeting
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.
BusinessToday
28-04-2025
- Business
- BusinessToday
Foreign Affairs Minister To Share Malaysia's Stand On Multilateralism At BRICS Meeting
Minister of Foreign Affairs Dato' Mohamad Hasan is scheduled to attend BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs Meeting in Rio De Janeiro, which is a precursor to the BRICS Leaders' Summit, that takes place on 6 and 7 July 2025 under Brazil's Chairmanship. This Meeting will mark the first gathering of Ministers of Foreign Affairs from BRICS Member and Partner Countries in 2025. Malaysia officially attained BRICS Partner Country status on 1 January 2025. Under their Chairmanship, Brazil will focus on six priority areas, namely Global Health; Trade, Investment and Finance; Climate Change; Artificial Intelligence; Reform of the Peace and Security of the Multilateral System; and the Institutional Development of BRICS. The government said the priorities resonate strongly with Malaysia's national interests and its commitment for 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. During the Meeting, the Foreign Minister is scheduled to deliver Malaysia's national intervention during a dedicated session focused on 'The Role of the Global South in Reinforcing Multilateralism'. The intervention will 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. Wisma Putra added that during the meeting, Malaysia will take the opportunity to share its perspectives and strategic priorities on pressing global issues. As Chair of ASEAN for 2025, Malaysia will actively advocate for deeper engagement between ASEAN and BRICS, aimed at fostering regional cooperation, enhancing economic collaboration, and reinforcing collective efforts toward a fairer and more Related
New Straits Times
27-04-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Mohamad Hasan to attend BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting in Brazil
PUTRAJAYA: Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan will undertake a working visit to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from April 28 to 29 to attend the BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs Meeting. According to a statement by the Foreign Ministry today, the meeting is the first gathering of foreign ministers from BRICS Member and Partner Countries this year. It also serves as one of the key precursors to the BRICS Leaders' Summit, which is scheduled to take place on July 6 and 7 under Brazil's chairmanship. Under Brazil's leadership, BRICS will focus on six priority areas: global health; trade and investment; climate change; artificial intelligence; reforming peace and security mechanisms within the multilateral system; and institutional development. "These priorities resonate strongly with Malaysia's national interests and its commitment for 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," read the statement. During the meeting, Mohamad is scheduled to deliver Malaysia's national intervention at a dedicated session themed "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. Malaysia is also expected to share its strategic perspectives on key global challenges. "As Chair of Asean for 2025, Malaysia will actively advocate for deeper engagement between Asean and BRICS, aimed at fostering regional cooperation, enhancing economic collaboration, and reinforcing collective efforts toward a fairer and more sustainable global economy," it added. Malaysia officially becomes BRICS Partner Country on Jan 1, 2025.
