M'sia backs Pakistan to become full dialogue partner with Asean

Pakistan has Malaysia’s full support in its bid to become a full dialogue partner with Asean, said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

He said Malaysia is in a position to open up Pakistan’s desire to become a dialogue partner.

“Malaysia is supportive because our position is to engage, to help open up,” he said in an exclusive interview with Pakistan TV, which was broadcast via YouTube last night.

The prime minister also said he had discussed with Russian President Vladimir Putin during a visit to Vladivostok last month Malaysia’s interest in joining the Brics economic bloc.

“And, of course, I have been invited to Kazan to attend, initially, as a partner member before eventually becoming a full member.

“We have that open view (about Pakistan becoming a full dialogue partner) but then the final decision will be (dependant on) the consensus within Asean," Anwar said.

Previously, Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Malaysia Syed Ahsan Raza Shah was quoted as saying that Malaysia has been one of Pakistan’s top supporters in Asean.

He said that enabled Pakistan to secure a sectoral dialogue partnership and is now looking forward to gaining full dialogue partner status with Asean with Malaysia’s continued support.

- Bernama

Asean MPs: Free Cambodian journo who exposed scam compounds

M'sia set to lead Asean in AI development via strategic partnerships - Anwar

Address South China Sea issues through Asean - minister

Asean must remain neutral to ensure regional stability: Khaled

M'sia to enhance ties with Russia, invites Putin to 2025 Asean Summit