Malaysia Reaffirms Commitment To Strengthen Defence Ties With The US
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening defence ties with the United States (US), both bilaterally and through ASEAN-led mechanisms, while highlighting the importance of preserving ASEAN’s unity and centrality in maintaining regional peace and stability.
Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin said Malaysia welcomed stronger and more enduring US engagement in Southeast Asia, recognising Washington’s longstanding contribution to regional defence and security cooperation.
He said existing mechanisms, including the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus), offered considerable potential to deepen cooperation through joint exercises, capacity-building initiatives and professional military exchanges.
“Malaysia welcomes a stronger and more enduring United States engagement in Southeast Asia. We look forward to the US-ASEAN Framework on Defence Cooperation next year,” he said in his remarks at the ASEAN-United States Defence Ministers’ Informal Meeting in Cebu, the Philippines, on Wednesday.
Also present were US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and other ASEAN defence ministers.
The text of his speech was made available to Bernama.
Mohamed Khaled said the US remained an important partner in promoting peace, stability and prosperity in the region, expressing hope that Washington would play an even stronger and more constructive role in regional affairs.
He said defence cooperation should go beyond enhancing operational capabilities to include building greater trust and understanding between defence establishments.
The minister added that Malaysia remained a reliable and constructive partner in advancing shared interests, despite differences in perspectives on certain issues.
Mohamed Khaled also stressed the importance of preserving ASEAN’s unity and centrality, saying a peaceful, stable and united ASEAN served the interests of both member states and their external partners.
He said ASEAN’s regional architecture, founded on dialogue, mutual respect, the peaceful settlement of disputes and cooperation, had enabled countries with different political systems, interests and perspectives to coexist and prosper.
“We hope that the United States will continue to understand and appreciate ASEAN’s unique character, including the importance we attach to unity, inclusiveness and our ability to maintain constructive relations with all our partners,” he said.
“Our approach has never been about choosing sides. It is about preserving the peace and stability that have allowed our region to prosper,” he added.
Mohamed Khaled said a stronger, more resilient and confident ASEAN would provide a firmer foundation for deeper and more meaningful cooperation with the US.
He said Malaysia hoped Washington would continue to invest in ASEAN as a collective partner, adding that strengthening the bloc’s unity and resilience would reinforce the foundations of regional stability and shared prosperity.
“The United States can continue to rely on Malaysia as a trusted partner, just as we look to the United States to work alongside us in preserving a peaceful, united and prosperous ASEAN,” he said.
-- BERNAMA
