KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 1 — Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin today urged Asean and its Asean Plus partners to deepen cooperation in addressing security challenges that go beyond national borders, saying regional unity and respect for international law must remain the foundation for peace and stability.
Khaled said issues such as cyberattacks, climate change, food insecurity and pandemics demand urgent collective action from both Asean and its dialogue partners.
“Today, the world faces challenges that transcend borders. From cyberattacks to climate shocks, from food insecurity to pandemics.
“Powerful non-state actors in the cyberspace are capable of disrupting societies, dismantling critical systems, and even destabilising governments. At the same time, climate change and natural disasters test our resilience every day.
“These challenges are not distant. They are happening now. And they demand urgent action,” he said in his opening remarks at the 12th Asean Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) here.
Khaled emphasised that Asean’s regional security architecture should continue to be “Asean-led, inclusive, and guided by international law”, adding that all partners must respect regional norms and uphold the spirit of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation.
“Together, we can respond, adapt, and safeguard the security and prosperity of our region, in unity and synergy,” he said.
Marking the 15th anniversary of the ADMM-Plus this year, Khaled said the forum’s continued relevance lies in its ability to bridge divides and encourage constructive dialogue even amid global tension.
“The ADMM-Plus is not a stage to avoid difficult discussions, but a space to confront them with honesty, respect, and a shared sense of purpose,” he said.
The ADMM-Plus, which brings together Asean and eight dialogue partners including the United States, China, Japan, India, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and Russia is being held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
