KUALA LUMPUR: A strong call for unity, solidarity and continued commitment to regional peace and stability closed the 19th Asean Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM).
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin expressed both his gratitude and pride over the achievements made under Malaysia’s chairmanship, describing the year as one of the most productive and ambitious in ADMM’s history.
“Together, we have approved the largest number of initiatives ever achieved in a single year,” he said in his closing remarks here yesterday.
Among the key achievements were the Joint Statement on the Implementation of the Asean Political-Security Community Strategic Plan under the Asean Community Vision 2045, and the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration on Asean Unity for Security and Prosperity.
“These documents are living proof of our shared commitment to a peaceful, stable and forward-looking Asean.
“ADMM is not merely a formal platform, but a vibrant community of purpose and progress,” Mohamed Khaled said.
Throughout the discussions, one clear message emerged – Asean’s strength lies not in power or dominance, but in partnership and dialogue.
“It is this spirit of cooperation over competition, of solidarity over separation, that keeps our region stable and our future secure,” he said, urging members to continue embracing the “Asean First” principle.
“Let us think Asean, act Asean and behave Asean, for this is our home and our shared responsibility,” he said.
Mohamed Khaled also underscored the importance of building bridges of trust between militaries, institutions and people, noting that peace “is never automatic” as it must be actively built, protected and renewed together as one Asean family.
As the ministers prepare for the 12th ADMM-Plus today, he called on member countries to carry forward the same spirit of unity and cooperation.
“United in purpose, confident in our mission and guided by our shared responsibility, we must keep this region peaceful, stable and secure.
“May our unity and solidarity remain our strength and our shield as we move forward together for security and prosperity. Let our compass remain clear and strong: Asean First. Regional Solidarity Always,” he said.
At a press conference later, Mohamed Khaled said China supports the formulation of the code of conduct for the South China Sea.
He said the view was conveyed by China National Defence Minister Admiral Dong Jun during the Asean-China Defence Ministers’ Luncheon.
“During the luncheon, he stated clearly that China supports the formulation of the code of conduct for the South China Sea,” he said.
Asked on his views on grey zone tactics, Mohamed Khaled said he only noted the view of US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth during the Malaysia-US bilateral talks on Thursday.
“I only took note of the view that he conveyed, that grey zone tactics such as hydrographic research conducted under the protection of foreign coast guard vessels, threaten sovereignty, and are a clear provocation and threat,” he said.
Grey zone tactics are actions by state or non-state actors that are outside of the usual definitions of war, and are designed to achieve strategic objectives or advantages through deniable or ambiguous activities to avoid sparking off a conventional military conflict.
