Expanding trade among Asean member countries will help quell geopolitical and economic uncertainties, says Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
Speaking during Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (Feb 4), Mohamad emphasised Malaysia’s commitment to open trade and active participation in various international collaborations.
Regarding the "America First" policy introduced by the new US administration, Mohamad acknowledged its potential to shift US foreign relations, which could impact Malaysia, but assured that Malaysia will adopt strategic measures to safeguard its interests while adapting to the new US approach.
Read more at https://tinyurl.com/4f5v83s8
WATCH MORE: https://thestartv.com/c/news
SUBSCRIBE: https://cutt.ly/TheStar
LIKE: https://fb.com/TheStarOnline
Category
🗞
NewsTranscript
00:00I have just finished chairing the meeting of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of ASEAN
00:09which has just been held on 18th and 19th of January in Kahwi.
00:14During the meeting, we discussed together with ASEAN members
00:22about the challenges that we are facing.
00:26ASEAN member states have voiced their support
00:31to strengthen the ASEAN centrality
00:38and to improve the resilience of the regional economy
00:42in dealing with geopolitical and geoeconomic uncertainties
00:46by building cooperation between ASEAN countries.
00:50We are trading with ASEAN countries in order to strengthen the ASEAN-ASEAN trade.
00:57Because the ASEAN-ASEAN trade is too low,
01:01still below the 25% level.
01:04So, we want to investigate and discuss
01:07how we can trade with ASEAN countries
01:12so that we can improve our trade with ASEAN countries.
01:17Your Excellency,
01:18the new administration of the United States
01:23is based on the America First Permit
01:27which has the potential to bring changes
01:30in the United States' approach
01:32to their relations with foreign countries
01:35and indirectly,
01:37it will also have an impact on our country, Malaysia.
01:41Your Excellency,
01:42Malaysia practices an exceptional foreign policy
01:45and is friendly to all countries
01:47except for the countries that practice a clear foundation
01:50of human rights and international law.
01:55This is in line with our free, principled, pragmatic
02:00and always committed foreign policy
02:02to strengthen our cooperation with foreign countries.
02:06Indeed, Your Excellency,
02:07the government will continue to defend the Malaysian population
02:10as a country that practices an open economy
02:14and depends on international trade.
02:17We will take strategic steps
02:20to balance the interests of the country
02:23with the new administration of the United States
02:26while we take the opportunity
02:29to continue to strengthen our bilateral relations
02:32and cooperation with the United States.
02:36Your Excellency,
02:37our foreign policy also supports the importance
02:39of multilateralism
02:43to enable Malaysia and the international community
02:47to deal with the current global challenges.
02:51Your Excellency,
02:52we are involved in many international organizations
02:56such as ASEAN, BBB, OIC, NAM and G77.
03:01We are also actively involved
03:06in ASEAN-Pacific, APEC, RCEP, CEPTTP
03:14and IPEF.
03:19Malaysia continues to maintain cooperation
03:22with other countries.
03:24That is why we have been accepted
03:27as a new member
03:29with the status of fellow country
03:32or partner country in BRICS
03:34and they will see our commitment
03:38as far as Malaysia really wants to be a BRICS member
03:43because they want to eliminate
03:47the newly accepted member countries.
03:50The effect is there, Your Excellency.
03:52That is the basis of the new administration
03:55of the United States
03:57as mentioned by the Minister.
04:01And they have made statements
04:05that as a country
04:07whose economy depends on trade,
04:10the effect is there indirectly or indirectly.
04:14But we are investigating the situation
04:17and the reports will be published in the Cabinet
04:20from time to time.
04:21God willing.
04:30For more UN videos visit www.un.org