KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 23 — During its tenure as Asean chair next year, Malaysia plans to establish a platform for a more open and progressive defense dialogue with its strategic partners.

Defense Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said this was part of Asean’s strategy to address the increasingly complex challenges of the geopolitical and defense scenario.

Progress in military cooperation among ASEAN members leads to the promotion of mutual trust, understanding and confidence-building.

Mohamed Khaled made the remarks in Vientiane, Laos, while attending the 18th ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and the 11th ADMM-Plus.

“Under the theme “ASEAN Unity for Security and Prosperity”, Malaysia pledges to effectively discharge its responsibilities as Chair of ASEAN, prioritizing the preservation of stability and of regional security for the benefit of all member states,” said Mohamad Khaled.

At the recently concluded 18th ADMM in Vientiane, Laos. — Photo by the Ministry of Defense

At the ADMM, Malaysia presented a proposal to streamline ASEAN’s Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) mechanisms, aiming to strengthen the region’s collective response to crises and disasters for the benefit of all Member States.

The theme of the meeting was appropriate as Mohamed Khaled highlighted Malaysia’s commitment to ensuring regional stability and security for all member countries.

“We are determined to build on the achievements that have elevated ASEAN, bringing lasting benefits to member countries and promoting regional well-being,” he said in a statement.

During the ADMM, the importance of multilateralism in reaffirming ASEAN unity was also reiterated.

Defense Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin during the 11th ADMM+ in Vientiane, Laos. — Photo by the Ministry of Defense

At the same time, the ministers present recognized the multifaceted impact of climate change, such as extreme weather events and climate-related disasters, which are occurring with increasing frequency.

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 13, which calls for urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts, was also highlighted at the meeting.

Perhaps the most relevant decision was the agreement to establish the ASEAN Coordination Center for the Control of Transboundary Haze Pollution (ACCTHPC), which will enable faster implementation of the agreement. ASEAN on transboundary haze pollution in the region.

Laos officially handed over the presidency of the ADMM and ADMM-Plus to Malaysia at the end of the meeting, attended by key delegates from all participating countries.

“2025 will be a pivotal year for Malaysia. Not only will we chair Asean, but it will also mark the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Asean Community and we will launch the Asean Community Vision 2045.”

Malaysia previously chaired ASEAN in 1977, 1997, 2005 and 2015.