KUALA LUMPUR, July 10 (Bernama) -- On 10 July 2025, Foreign Minister Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan and His Excellency Marco Rubio, United States Secretary of State, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Concerning Strategic Civil Nuclear Cooperation on the sidelines of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) and Related Meetings.
This MoU represents an important milestone in U.S. support for Malaysia’s efforts to strengthen its capabilities in the nuclear energy sector. The MoU will facilitate cooperation in areas such as technical expertise, regulatory development, human capital training, and the use of nuclear technology in sectors like agriculture, industry, and healthcare.
In a gesture highlighting the importance of the visit, Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan expressed his appreciation to Secretary Rubio for choosing Malaysia as the inaugural stop on his first trip to Asia since assuming his role as Secretary of State in January 2025.
He also conveyed Malaysia’s readiness to begin discussions on a 123 Agreement to strengthen cooperation on nuclear technology between both countries.
The signing reflects the shared commitment of Malaysia and the United States to advance their Comprehensive Partnership and explore new areas of collaboration in addressing global challenges.
During the same event, Malaysia seized the opportunity to reaffirm its unwavering commitment to its crucial role as a coastal state. Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan underscored this priority, announcing that Malaysia is actively formulating new regulations designed to tighten enforcement against illegal ship-to-ship (STS) transfers within its waters. These changes are expected to take effect by the end of July 2025.
SOURCE: Communication & Public Diplomacy Division,
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
--BERNAMA