KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 25 – The United States (US) has reaffirmed its unwavering support for Malaysia’s upcoming ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, pledging to stand by the country as it works to promote regional peace and stability in the region.
In a joint statement on the 6th Malaysia-United States Senior Officials’ Dialogue held in Putrajaya on Oct 21, the US reiterated its support for ASEAN centrality and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and welcomed ASEAN’s efforts to address the situation in Myanmar.
“The United States expressed its support for Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025 as it seeks to promote peace, stability, and prosperity throughout the region,” the statement read.
Malaysia will officially assume the role of ASEAN Chair from Jan 1, 2025.
The 6th Malaysia-United States Senior Officials’ Dialogue marked the 10th anniversary of the Malaysia-United States Comprehensive Partnership.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Secretary General Datuk Seri Amran Mohamed Zin led the Malaysian delegation, and Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel J. Kritenbrink led the United States delegation.
The joint statement stated that Malaysia and the US acknowledged with great satisfaction the deep-rooted ties, especially in economic cooperation, and acknowledged the importance of advancing the cooperation while emphasising sustainability.
The US welcomed Malaysia’s efforts to implement sustainable certification systems for timber and palm oil, and both sides committed to exploring further cooperation on sustainability initiatives.
The dialogue also focused on high-growth industries such as semiconductors, the digital economy, renewable energy, and critical minerals.
On the topic of peace and security, Malaysia and the US reaffirmed their commitment to peace and security in the Indo-Pacific, prioritising efforts to combat transnational crime, trafficking in persons, terrorism, and upholding the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention (UNCLOS).
They highlighted the South China Sea’s stability as crucial to regional security, and Malaysia expressed gratitude for the US recognition of its anti-trafficking efforts, which led to Malaysia’s upgrade to Tier 2 in the 2024 Trafficking in Persons Report.
Malaysia also acknowledged the cooperation the US has extended in enhancing Malaysia’s maritime security and welcomes the delivery of the US Coast Guard Cutter STEADFAST vessel under the Excess Defence Articles (EDA) programme.
The vessel is expected to be transferred in the first quarter of 2025 to the Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA).
