Photo: Bernama
INVITATION for the Prime Minister to visit other countries, including to Russia, must be carefully planned and considered, says Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
He said Malaysia had received numerous invitations for the Prime Minister to visit, but had yet to commit to any, reflecting its circumspect approach to international engagement.
“We must be cautious in positioning our country,” he said, pointing out that this was important in view of the global geopolitical factor and to avoid issues concerning Malaysia’s relationships with other countries.
Mohamad, responding to questions from Wan Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal (PN-Machang) regarding the absence of an official visit to Moscow, gave the assurance that Malaysia currently maintains positive relations with key international players, including Russia and China.
Wan Fayhsal said that if Malaysia were keen to join the intergovernmental organisation BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), it should be knocking on Moscow’s door.
Mohamad explained that any visit by the Prime Minister or the foreign minister could be interpreted as an endorsement of bilateral relations with the host nation.
“We don’t want to be seen as leaning towards anyone,” he said.
