logo
Malaysian, Omani deputy prime ministers meet to boost bilateral ties

Malaysian, Omani deputy prime ministers meet to boost bilateral ties

KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof had a bilateral meeting with Oman's Deputy Prime Minister for International Relations and Cooperation Affairs and Special Representative Sayyid Asaad Tariq Al Said on the sidelines of the 2nd Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council (Asean-GCC) Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre today.
The closed-door session saw both deputy prime ministers discussing ways to strengthen bilateral relations between Malaysia and Oman, as well as sharing views on several current geopolitical issues of mutual concern.
The high-level summit, hosted by Malaysia in its capacity as Asean Chair, brought together top leaders from both regional blocs to deepen strategic cooperation across political, economic and security spheres.
The Asean-GCC Summit serves as a platform to promote interregional dialogue and collaboration amid rising global uncertainties and shifting geopolitical dynamics.
The 46th Asean Summit, was held under Malaysia's 2025 Chairmanship theme, "Inclusivity and Sustainability".
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Zafrul: Rules-based trading system vital for today
Zafrul: Rules-based trading system vital for today

The Star

timean hour ago

  • The Star

Zafrul: Rules-based trading system vital for today

OSAKA: Asean's strong position and principles of centrality and multilateralism must be reinfor­ced in facing geopolitical and geo­economic challenges, says Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz ( pic ). The Investment, Trade and In­­dus­­try Minister said a rules-based trading system is important for Asean, especially in today's scenario, where things are uncertain when it comes to trade. 'Given the geopolitical tension and geoeconomic challenges that we face today, trade diversification is an important strategy, and focus,' he said at the Asean Day celebration held on the sidelines of the World Expo 2025 here. Tengku Zafrul said Asean, among others, has decided to upgrade the Asean trade and goods agreement to strengthen economic cooperation. 'When people are challenging the current economic order, we feel that we should double down on strengthening the principles of multilateralism. In fact, we are looking at new areas of cooperation in trade, where we are probably going to be the first bloc to sign a digital economy framework agreement,' he said. Tengku Zafrul also said that it is important for Asean to focus on sustainable growth for the region, particularly in terms of gross domestic product and in markets to expand trade and investment. 'We want growth to be inclusive, and equitable. In light of what's happening globally, we also want the growth to be resilient,' he added. Tengku Zafrul said the World Expo 2025 in Osaka offers a timely platform for Asean to showcase not just its identity but also its diversity and unity to the global community. 'We look forward to welcoming Japan to the Asean Economic Ministers' Meeting in September and to the Asean Leaders' Summit in October. I believe that through constant dialogue we build trust, and that trust will build a much better Asean and a much better Asia for our future generations,' he said. Asean Economic Community deputy secretary-general Satvinder Singh said Asean has expressed its readiness to upgrade its free trade agreement (FTA) with Japan, signalling a desire to bring the decades-old pact into the modern economic era. He said there is a growing urgency and opportunity to refresh the Asean-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership signed in 2008 in line with new economic realities. He highlighted Asean's recent achievements in modernising economic agreements with China, Australia, New Zealand, and India, which now include new components such as e-commerce, innovation, global supply chain resilience, and sustainability. 'Clearly, Japan should also be one of the priorities for Asean in the coming years. On the Asean side, we are ready to engage with Japan when it is ready,' he added.

Pivoting to Russia?
Pivoting to Russia?

The Star

timean hour ago

  • The Star

Pivoting to Russia?

EARLIER this week, I attended the ceremonial send-off for King of Malaysia, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim's State Visit to Russia at the Subang Air Base. This visit, the first by a Malaysian head of state since diplomatic relations began in 1967, seeks to strengthen trade and diplomatic ties. In the three months before His Majesty's historic visit, a series of high-level interactions with Moscow signalled a significant uptick in bilateral ties. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim visited in May, followed by a Parliamentary delegation I led. In June, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof continued the momentum with his official visit. Additionally, Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani was appointed coordinating minister for Russia, tasked with addressing trade challenges exacerbated by Western sanctions. Taken together, these developments suggest more than routine diplomacy. We are clearly elevating our game, and the trajectory appears to point north, towards Moscow. Is Malaysia pivoting to Russia? As this question becomes prominent, it is worth examining what recent global trends reveal about Malaysia's shifting geopolitical posture. For example, in Europe, superpower rivalries have driven nations to double military spending to address the heightened risks of war. Similar tensions in South-East Asia could compel Asean countries, including Malaysia, to strengthen military capabilities to navigate this uncertainty. Amid a challenging international order and shifting trade dynamics, the heightened engagements with Moscow reflect Anwar's strategic ambition to recalibrate Malaysia within the BRICS framework and diversify our global alliances. Through Russia and BRICS, we seek to pursue autonomy and forge partnerships beyond traditional Western allies. The rationale behind it is simple. Malaysia cannot rely on any single country, especially one whose policies may shift unpredictably, as we pursue long-term economic stability and resilience. When I was a Member of the Dewan Rakyat, I visited Moscow several times and have come to appreciate Russia's distinct worldview and the strategic ways it seeks to shape the global order. My trip in May was my first as the deputy president of the Senate at the Dewan Negara, and it offered a valuable opportunity to explore deeper institutional ties with Russia's parliamentary leaders. With Malaysia chairing the Asean Inter-Parliamentary Assembly this year and Russia present as an observer, the timing was significant. In Malaysia, the mention of Russia often evokes thoughts of global controversies, particularly its actions in Ukraine. This has cast Russian President Vladimir Putin as a distant, hardline figure viewed through the lens of geopolitical tensions and critical media scrutiny. However, something unexpected challenged this perception. While in Moscow, I was invited to address the prestigious Valdai Discussion Club, a leading forum for global policy discussions, and engage with Russia's policy elites. My session was moderated by Fyodor Lukyanov, a prominent foreign policy expert close to President Putin. During the session, Lukyanov referenced a viral moment from the May Kremlin press conference, Putin's amusement with Anwar's 'second wife' reply to a question on who occupies one of three ceremonial thrones once used by Russia's imperial family. That unique moment delighted Malaysians and Russians alike on social media. In response, I smiled and remarked: 'Thanks to that event, President Putin is now a very famous man in Malaysia!' This lighthearted exchange broke the ice, revealing a warmth rarely seen in Putin and fostering a fresh bond between our leaders. Beyond the laughter, it opened doors for stronger Malaysia-Russia ties and advanced our BRICS aspiration, setting the stage for my subsequent Moscow meetings. Trade and business were central to my dialogue with Russia's Economic Development Ministry. Aeroflot's plan to reinstate direct flights to Malaysia will enhance connectivity, strengthen economic ties, and boost our appeal as a premier destination for Russian tourists, ahead of the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign. Collaboration in natural disaster management, where Russia possesses substantial expertise, also emerged as a key partnership area. My meeting with Alexander Kurenkov – their Civil Defense, Emergencies and Elimination of Consequences of Natural Disasters Minister – underscored our commitment to disaster management cooperation as a model of effective bilateral engagement. This initiative has progressed rapidly, thanks to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's leadership of our Central Disaster Management Committee and proactive efforts during Kurenkov's June visit to Malaysia. Discussions with Russia's Energy Ministry explored collaboration as Malaysia refines its National Energy Transition Roadmap. Moscow's expertise in nuclear technology, through its state-owned corporation Rosatom, offers solutions for sustainable energy by advancing the peaceful use of nuclear power for electricity generation and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. This collaboration would modernise Malaysia's power grid while supporting Asean-wide initiatives, like the Asean Power Grid, for sustainable regional energy collaboration. Malaysia's defence relationship with Russia, established by the landmark MiG-29 purchase in 1994, remains a cornerstone of our relationship. Today, the focus has shifted to artificial intelligence (AI), critical to modern defence. His Majesty's visit to Moscow's Tochka Kipeniya Technology and Innovation Centre, which showcases advanced AI systems, highlights their rapid advancements in this field, offering Malaysia opportunities to enhance its defence capabilities. Russia's cutting-edge innovation presents Malaysia with a timely opportunity to explore drone technology and AI-driven security solutions. Malaysia could cautiously pursue calculated collaboration in autonomous warfare drone technology by leveraging Russia's expertise in autonomous systems. Through joint research and technology exchange, such efforts would strengthen national security and underscore our commitment to innovation. However, given concerns over autonomous weapons and geopolitical sensitivities, such engagements must align with Malaysia's strategic interests and international norms. While my meetings were marked by optimism, a key challenge persists in navigating the network of international sanctions, which hinders these opportunities. Amid increased Western scrutiny and the threat of secondary sanctions, Malaysian industries are cautious and seek to minimise exposure at the expense of trade growth. However, practical solutions exist, such as alternative payment mechanisms for lawful economic engagement. My talks with senior members from the Kremlin administration affirmed that our concerns are resolvable. Business magnates often ask, 'What's the deal?' With Russia, the answer is clear. As long as cooperation remains legitimate, respects international regulations, and aligns with Malaysia's foreign policy, we can make a deal. At the Valdai Discussion Club, I was asked a pointed question on the US-China power dynamics and Malaysia's stance if faced with choosing sides. My response was direct: 'Choose your neighbour.' The room chuckled, knowing I implied Russia, whose eastern region places it firmly within Asia. Yet Russia is more than a geographical neighbour. It is a partner in shared priorities such as economic growth and stability. In a period of intensifying great power rivalry, our BRICS alignment reflects a pragmatic choice for regional proximity. In choosing and trusting our 'neighbour', we are not turning our backs on our friends. Like a good neighbour who respects your right to design your own home, our friends should understand Malaysia's choice for balance, economic resilience and independent future. Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed is the Dewan Negara deputy president and former Pulai member of Parliament. The views expressed here are entirely the writer's own.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store