KUALA LUMPUR – Putrajaya’s foreign policy will see Malaysia’s diplomatic relationships with the United States, China, and Taliban-led Afghanistan maintained.
Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Datuk Kamarudin Jaffar explained to the Dewan Rakyat that Malaysia views the active US involvement in the Southeast Asian region as important in terms of diplomacy, economy and politics.
However, with regard to disputes, Kamarudin assured that Malaysia continues to take a neutral stance when it comes to altercations between superpowers.
“As we know, the US has been an important friend in our fight against Covid-19.
“But medical diplomacy aside, there are other areas to be discovered to improve our relationship, such as renewable energy, robotics, and cybersecurity,” Kamarudin said in Parliament today during question time.
As for diplomatic relationships with China, Kamarudin said Malaysia is involved in an online convention today that celebrates China’s relationship with the Asean region.
“We will maintain our relationship (with China), by also prioritising our personal interests from all angles,” Kamaurdin added.
With regard to Afghanistan, Kamarudin explained that Malaysia has had diplomatic ties with the country since 1962 through its high commissioner to India.
“As for the Taliban, we have a relationship through certain channels. For instance, in September this year, the Global Peace Mission (Malaysia) envoy had met with the country’s new leadership.
“Further, through our diplomatic mission in Qatar, we have a relationship with the Afghan leadership, and we will ensure they can form a country that gives rights, including women’s rights in a democratic matter,” Kamarudin said. – The Vibes, November 22, 2021
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