The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and Malaysia on the occasion of the 6th Senior Officials' Dialogue in Putrajaya, Malaysia on October 21, 2024. The Dialogue also marked the 10th anniversary of the U.S-Malaysia Comprehensive Partnership.
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To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Malaysia-United States Comprehensive Partnership, Malaysia and the United States held the 6th Senior Officials' Dialogue on October 21, 2024 in Putrajaya, Malaysia to reaffirm the deep and growing partnership between both countries. Ministry of Foreign Affairs Secretary General Dato' Sri 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 dialogue underscored the importance of sustained cooperation across a broad range of issues, including trade and investment, peace and security, and people-to-people ties, as well as regional and global issues.
Both sides noted with great satisfaction the deep-rooted ties between the two countries, especially in economic cooperation, and acknowledged the importance of advancing the cooperation while emphasizing sustainability. Malaysia and the United States acknowledged that the development of trade and economic relations is a key aspect of strengthening cooperation between the two countries and welcomed further discussion on trade and agriculture topics. The United States welcomed Malaysia's briefing on its efforts to increase sustainability through recognition of sustainable certification systems, including for timber and palm oil products. Both sides also pledged to explore possibilities for cooperation to improve sustainability. Both parties are continuing the cooperative activities reflected in the Memorandum of Cooperation on Semiconductor Supply Chain Resilience (MOC) signed in 2022. Malaysia and the United States also acknowledged interest in exploring further cooperation in science and technology by recognizing potential synergies on space, biotechnology, agriculture, Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) development, capacity-building, healthcare cooperation, and vaccine research cooperation.
Additionally, the two sides recognized the importance of collaboration in high-growth sectors such as cooperation in semiconductors, digital economy, renewable energy, and critical minerals. Joint efforts will also focus on improving supply chain resilience, accelerating the clean energy transition, and fostering private sector partnerships that could stimulate innovation and job creation. Malaysia and the United States appreciated the ongoing efforts under the Indo Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) and committed to pursue deeper engagement to support sustainable and inclusive growth. Both sides have committed to continue collaboration in capacity building for Small and Medium Enterprise development (SME) development.
Both sides further reaffirmed their commitment to advancing peace and security cooperation, focusing on maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Key areas of focus will include combating transnational crime and trafficking in persons, countering terrorism, upholding the international law of the sea as reflected in the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention (UNCLOS), and addressing emerging security challenges. The United States and Malaysia reaffirmed the importance of peace and stability in the South China Sea as essential elements of regional security. Additionally, Malaysia expressed appreciation for the United States' recognition of Malaysia's efforts to combat trafficking in persons, which resulted in an upgrade to Tier 2 in the 2024 Trafficking in Persons Report issued by the United States Department of State.
Malaysia also acknowledged the cooperation the United States has extended in enhancing Malaysia's maritime security and welcomes the delivery of the United States Coast Guard Cutter STEADFAST vessel under the Excess Defense Articles (EDA) program. The vessel is expected to be transferred in the first quarter of 2025 to the Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA). Drawing on defense cooperation, Malaysia and the United States are connected by historical ties and both sides welcomed the continuous effort to strengthen defense ties under existing agreements, as well as by developing new areas of cooperation.
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 United States 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.
Both sides noted the active and ongoing cooperation on current regional and global challenges within the framework of regional and international organizations. Both sides stressed the urgent need for continued and active negotiations at regional and international fora, particularly through multilateral fora such as the United Nations.
Both sides called for a diplomatic solution to immediately de-escalate tensions and secure an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Priority must also be given to the release of hostages and those arbitrarily detained, along with ensuring unhindered humanitarian access to Gaza. Both sides further underscored the need for a sustainable peace that prevents the further loss of innocent lives and avoids deeper instability in the region.
Recognizing the importance of strengthening people-to-people ties, Malaysia and the United States are committed to expanding educational and cultural exchanges, including through programs such as the Fulbright Program under the Malaysian-American Commission on Educational Exchange (MACEE) and the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI). These programs aim to empower future leaders while fostering mutual understanding and goodwill between Malaysians and Americans. Opportunities to enhance academic collaborations, exchanges, and tourism to further enrich the bilateral relationship were also deliberated.
The 6th Senior Officials' Dialogue reflected the shared commitment by Malaysia and the United States to fostering prosperity, ensuring regional stability and strengthening the connections between our nations. This positive momentum of cooperation serves as a solid foundation for the elevation of the Malaysia-United States Comprehensive Partnership to a higher level.
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