A SIGNIFICANT stride in bilateral relations was achieved today as Malaysia and the United States formally signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on strategic civil nuclear cooperation.
The agreement, lauded as a "significant milestone" by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, signals a new era for energy security and sustainable development between the two nations.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan emphasised the importance of the MoU.
“This MoU represents a crucial step in our shared journey to further strengthen the Malaysia-US comprehensive partnership,” he remarked during the signing ceremony.
He added on Malaysia’s vision, stating that "Malaysia views the exploration of nuclear energy as a key component of its long-term strategy, aimed at ensuring energy security, driving economic growth and developing national capacity to harness nuclear energy in a safe, secure and responsible manner."
In a notable announcement made in the presence of visiting US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Mohamad Hasan conveyed Malaysia's readiness to initiate negotiations on the 123 Agreement, a vital legal framework for nuclear cooperation with the US. "In your distinguished presence, Mr. Secretary, I am pleased to inform you (of) Malaysia's readiness to commence negotiations on the 123 Agreement,” he stated.
Secretary Rubio welcomed the MoU, commending it as an exemplary model for civil nuclear cooperation among trusted partners while upholding the highest standards of safety, security, and non-proliferation.
"We are very excited about this… this memorandum, which I think first and foremost, is a signal to the world of how civil nuclear cooperation is something that is available and that is out there,” said Rubio.
He added, “There are many countries in the world; some are in the headlines lately, that have expressed an interest in civil nuclear programmes. And this is an example of how it can be done, and we're very grateful to be able to do it with such a close partner.”
Rubio reiterated the US's commitment to advancing the 123 Agreement negotiations with Malaysia, describing it as "the next step forward with a country he said has a bright future."
Calling it “Again, an incredible opportunity for your country, an incredible opportunity to strengthen our partnership, an incredible example to the world. So, it is my honour to be a part of this.”
He underscored the broader geopolitical significance of the memorandum, noting that it establishes a foundation for a robust civil nuclear partnership built upon the highest standards of safety, security, and non-proliferation.
Separately, Mohamad Hasan reaffirmed Malaysia’s dedication as a coastal state to upholding maritime law and environmental protection.
“In this regard, I would like to say that we are actively formulating new regulations to tighten enforcement against illegal ship-to-ship transfer within our waters. These changes are expected to take effect by the end of this month,” he confirmed.
Secretary Rubio’s presence in Malaysia marks his inaugural official visit to Asia since assuming the role of US Secretary of State.
He expressed his honour that Malaysia was his initial stop and his satisfaction that the 58th AMM served as his first event. He described the AMM as an event of considerable significance transcending Malaysia or the ASEAN region, and it was an honour for him to participate.
The MoU signing ceremony also marked Secretary Rubio’s first formal engagement in the region.
Meanwhile, Reuters reported today that Secretary Rubio held a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on the margins of the ASEAN foreign ministers' meeting in Malaysia on Thursday.
This marks their second in-person encounter amidst intensifying Russian attacks on Ukraine. Neither Minister Lavrov nor Secretary Rubio offered comments to the press at the commencement of their meeting.
This meeting takes place as US President Donald Trump has expressed increasing frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the protracted conflict in Ukraine.
Earlier on Thursday, Russian drones and missiles descended upon the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, as escalating Russian assaults strain Ukrainian air defences, compelling thousands to seek refuge in bomb shelters overnight.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated that Russia had launched 18 missiles and approximately 400 drones in an attack primarily targeting Kyiv.
There was no immediate comment from Moscow, which had launched a record 728 drones at its smaller neighbour the preceding night.
President Trump, who returned to power this year promising a swift resolution to the war that commenced in 2022, had previously adopted a more conciliatory stance towards Moscow than his predecessor, Joe Biden, who staunchly supported Kyiv. However, on Tuesday, a day after ordering a resumption of deliveries of US defensive weapons to Ukraine, President Trump was uncharacteristically critical, characterising Putin's statements on moving towards peace as "meaningless." President Trump has also indicated that he is contemplating supporting a bill that would impose stringent sanctions on Russia, including 500% tariffs on nations that acquire Russian oil, gas, uranium, or other exports.
Secretary Rubio’s meeting with Minister Lavrov in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday evening followed his engagement with the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations during his initial trip to Asia since taking office.
Their first meeting occurred in Saudi Arabia in February as part of President Trump's efforts to re-establish relations and facilitate an end to the conflict. The counterparts also conversed by telephone in May and June.
The Kremlin on Wednesday conveyed its nonchalance regarding President Trump's criticism and reiterated its commitment to repairing "broken" relations with Washington.
Concurrently, at a conference of Ukraine-friendly nations in Rome on Wednesday, President Trump's Ukraine envoy, Keith Kellogg, met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
The ongoing 58th AMM and associated meetings are being held under Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship for 2025, operating under the theme ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’.
Over 1,500 delegates from ASEAN and its external partner countries are participating in 24 ministerial-level meetings spanning four days. - July 10, 2025
