PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin soon to discuss matters related to the economy.

"I will go to Vladivostok in a few weeks' time. I have received an invitation from Putin to discuss the economy.

"We uphold an independent stance and are not hostile towards anybody.

"Our principle is clear (in) defending freedom, rejecting atrocity, not allowing any group to oppress, insult and kill innocent people," he said in his speech at the launch of GXBank headquarters here today.

Anwar, who is also finance minister, said Malaysia had been vocal in rejecting atrocities against Palestinians in Gaza.

He said the country maintained an open trade policy with other countries, while protecting its independence and sovereignty.

"We now live in post-normal times, where I always say there are more complex and competitive situations with many contradictions.

"The pace of change must be really fast; we'll lose out if we retain the normal pace."

He cited digital banks, which he said the country had been lagging in several respects.

He said innovation and additional efforts were required to address the issues, in which the government was also taking steps to facilitate digital bank operations so that they would not be hampered by lengthy processes and regulations.

However, he reminded the industry to prioritise the people's interests to remain sustainable, in addition to raising their awareness about digital banks.

Last week, Anwar revealed that Malaysia had formally applied to join BRICS. He discussed the country's application with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

Russia is currently the chair of BRICS, which comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates.

It is considered the foremost geopolitical rival of the G7 bloc, with member countries accounting for around 45 per cent of the world's population and 28 per cent of the global gross domestic product.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/08/1085464/anwar-meet-putin-soon-talk-economics