●I wish to warmly welcome the Hon. Secretary Marco Rubio to Malaysia. We are delighted that you have chosen Malaysia as your first stop in the region. Your presence here truly highlights the long-standing relations between our two countries.
● Today marks a significant milestone: the signing of our Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Strategic Civil Nuclear Cooperation. This MoU represents a crucial step in our shared journey to further strengthen the Malaysia–United States Comprehensive Partnership.
● For Malaysia, exploring the role of nuclear energy is a key part of our long-term strategy. It is about ensuring energy security, driving economic growth, and developing our national capacity to harness nuclear energy in a safe, secure, and truly responsible manner.
ANNOUNCEMENT TO COMMENCE NEGOTIATION
● In the spirit of close bilateral relations between Malaysia and the United States, and in your distinguished presence, Mr. Secretary, I am pleased to inform you of Malaysia's readiness to commence negotiations on the 123 Agreement.
ANNOUNCEMENT ON STS
● Apart from Malaysia’s commitment to harness nuclear energy in a responsible manner, I also wish to take this opportunity to emphasise that Malaysia remains fully committed to its role as a coastal state. In this regard, we are actively formulating new regulations to tighten enforcement against illegal ship-to-ship (STS) transfers within our waters. These changes are expected to take effect by the end of this month.
Thank you.
--BERNAMA