TOKYO, December 18. . Malaysia will become a bridge for cooperation between BRICS countries and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). This opinion was expressed by the head of the investment research department of the Singapore company UOB Kay Hian Wealth Advisors Mohd Sedek Jantan, Bernama news agency quoted him.

He estimates that Malaysia, as ASEAN chair in 2025, is in a “unique position” that allows Southeast Asian countries to explore the potential economic benefits of working with BRICS. “Both ASEAN and BRICS are emerging markets with significant economic growth trajectories, so there is a solid basis to explore win-win benefits,” the expert said.

On November 15, Deputy Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation Alexander Pankin said that Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand have become partners of BRICS.

ASEAN was established in 1967 and unites 10 Southeast Asian countries – Brunei, Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines. Since the beginning of 2024, the ASEAN Chairmanship will be rotated from Indonesia to Laos, with Malaysia switching to Malaysia. Malaysia will assume the presidency of the influential regional association on January 1, 2025.