He said he would head to Vladivostok in a few weeks’ time on the invitation of Russian president Vladimir Putin for talks on trade involving the two countries.

“This aims to make us one of the countries showing open-mindedness and taking the approach of not making enemies out of anyone,” Anwar said when officiating GXBank’s new headquarters and initiative “GX Untuk Semua”.

Anwar also reiterated that Malaysia practises an open trade policy without taking sides with any nation.

He said Malaysia’s principles remained unchanged: to defend freedom and to oppose the oppression of any people.

Last week, Anwar was reported to have said that Malaysia had applied to join the BRICS intergovernmental organisation.

The Prime Minister’s Office said Malaysia’s intention to join BRICS was the main topic of discussion between Anwar and Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov, who paid a courtesy visit to the Seri Perdana Complex in Putrajaya last Sunday.

Lavrov said Russia had acknowledged receipt of Malaysia’s application.

On June 18, Anwar confirmed Malaysia’s intention to join BRICS to Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

BRICS, which originally comprised Brazil, Russia, India and China, was established in 2009 as a cooperation platform for rapidly developing economies. South Africa joined the bloc in 2010.

Foreign minister Mohamad Hasan previously said Putrajaya had yet to accept invitations for the prime minister to embark on an official visit to Russia as the government saw the need for caution in light of the ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Mohamad said his ministry had advised Anwar to scrutinise every invitation as Malaysia did not want to be caught in complex global politics and create problems in its relations with other countries.

The minister also said that Putrajaya was in talks with Brazil on joining BRICS, in the hope of becoming part of the intergovernmental organisation by the time Malaysia assumes the Asean chairmanship next year.