KUALA LUMPUR – Asean and the US need to enhance cooperation in the research and development of vaccines and anti-viral medications, as the call for vaccines and treatments is now louder than ever, said Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.
The foreign minister, in his intervention at the 8th US-Asean Summit today, said vaccine development is essential to ensure that “our economic gains do not come at the cost of public health”.
He emphasised that vaccines must be safe to use, affordable, accessible and equitable.
“Unfair competition and the monopoly of these vital goods must be avoided at all costs,” he told the summit, which is part of the 37th Asean Summit and related meetings.
The US was represented by its national security adviser, Robert C. O’Brien.
On the South China Sea, Hishammuddin underlined the importance of common sense, rationality and cool heads, as well as for peace, security and stability to prevail.
“The last thing on our minds right now is to be embroiled in a situation that would hamper all our efforts thus far.”
He said Malaysia stands by its position that the maritime dispute must be resolved peacefully and constructively in accordance with international laws, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982.
On the situation on the Korean peninsula, he said Malaysia is consistent on three matters – the denuclearisation of the peninsula, adherence to UN Security Council Resolutions, and a resumption of dialogue between the relevant parties. – Bernama, November 14, 2020
