[Full Text] Korea-Malaysia Joint Statement on 'Strategic Partnership'

President Yoon Suk-yeol and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim are holding a summit meeting at the Presidential Office in Yongsan, Seoul, on the 25th. Photo by Yonhap News

On the 25th, President Yoon Suk-yeol held a summit meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at the Yongsan Presidential Office and adopted a "Joint Statement on the Establishment of a Strategic Partnership" to expand cooperation in areas such as defense and defense industry, energy, climate change response, critical minerals, and supply chains.

The following is the full text of the joint statement.

1. On November 25, 2024, President Yoon Suk-yeol of the Republic of Korea and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia held a bilateral meeting on the occasion of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's official visit to the Republic of Korea from November 24 to 26, 2024.

2. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1960, the Republic of Korea and Malaysia have worked together to build a close cooperative relationship across a wide range of fields including politics, security, trade and investment, environment, energy, education, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.

3. In November 2019, the Malaysian Prime Minister made an official visit to the Republic of Korea, during which the two leaders assessed significant progress in bilateral relations and agreed to elevate the relationship between the Republic of Korea and Malaysia to a strategic partnership.

4. At the bilateral meeting held on November 25, 2024, President Yoon Suk-yeol and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim officially announced the elevation of the relationship between the Republic of Korea and Malaysia to a strategic partnership, expressing their countries' commitment to expanding cooperation to new horizons to promote freedom, peace, and prosperity and to respond to urgent challenges ahead.

5. Under this strategic partnership, President Yoon Suk-yeol and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reaffirmed their intention to strengthen bilateral cooperation specifically in the following four areas.

I. Political and Security Cooperation

6. Both sides agreed to enhance relations between government ministries and agencies, as well as parliaments of the Republic of Korea and Malaysia, by expanding high-level exchanges and regular communications at various levels. Noting the resumption of the Korea-Malaysia Policy Consultations held on June 26, 2024, in Putrajaya, Malaysia, both sides agreed to strengthen strategic cooperation through active policy consultations and to hold more bilateral meetings on mutual interests during multilateral meetings.

7. Both sides recognized that defense industry cooperation is a symbol of mutual trust in a strong strategic partnership and agreed to explore cooperation measures related to research and development, military technology cooperation, and the defense industry.

8. Both sides confirmed the importance of regular exchanges between military and defense institutions and agreed to further strengthen defense cooperation based on the "Defense Cooperation MOU" signed in April 2022 between the two countries.

9. Both sides confirmed their intention to strengthen cooperation on non-traditional security issues such as drug trafficking and cybersecurity. In this regard, both sides welcomed recent cooperative programs to combat cybercrimes including drug trafficking and virtual asset theft.

II. Economic Cooperation

(i) Trade and Investment Cooperation

10. Both sides recognized the dynamic and mutually beneficial economic partnership between the two countries. As the Republic of Korea is one of Malaysia's major foreign investors, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to promoting an investment environment in line with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles and to expanding research and development and technology exchanges between Korean and Malaysian companies, with a special focus on the green agenda, Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies, digital economy, and halal ecosystem.

11. Both sides reaffirmed the need to expand mutual trade, investment, and economic cooperation and agreed to accelerate the Korea-Malaysia Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, resumed in March 2024, aiming to conclude them by 2025. Both sides agreed to produce mutually beneficial outcomes for Korean and Malaysian companies, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). They also agreed to promote cooperation not only in trade and investment but also in emerging fields such as the digital economy, green economy, and bioeconomy through the FTA.

12. Both sides recognize the importance of deepening economic security cooperation, including in areas such as supply chain resilience.

13. Both sides noted that cooperation among SMEs and startups can enhance innovation and national competitiveness and agreed to provide additional support to promote cooperation and exchanges between SMEs and startups in the Republic of Korea and Malaysia.

(ii) Look East Policy 2.0 (LEP 2.0) Cooperation

14. Commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Look East Policy (LEP) in 2023, both sides recognized that the LEP, initiated in 1983, has contributed to enhancing economic relations between the two countries. Both sides recalled the adoption of the Look East Policy 2.0 (LEP 2.0) guideline document in 2014 and reaffirmed their commitment to maximizing the potential of LEP 2.0 to strengthen economic and trade relations.

15. Furthermore, both sides recognized the important role of the Korea-Malaysia Economic Cooperation Committee (ECC) in strengthening economic cooperation under LEP 2.0 and reaffirmed their commitment to regularly convene ECC meetings.

(iii) Digital and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Cooperation

16. Both sides recognized the importance of digital government in enhancing competitiveness and promoting economic growth and agreed to cooperate more closely in the digital government sector through knowledge sharing, joint capacity-building activities, and consultations.

17. Both sides noted Malaysia's announcement of its Digital Economy Blueprint in February 2021 and agreed to explore ways to strengthen cooperation in ICT policies, 5G, AI, and big data based on the "MOU on ICT Cooperation" signed in November 2019 between the two countries. Both sides emphasized the value of ICT in achieving equitable, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth and expressed satisfaction with the successful completion of the IT cooperation project related to AI-based smart farms.

(iv) Infrastructure Cooperation

18. Both sides acknowledged that infrastructure is a key driver of economic growth and prosperity and agreed to further expand cooperation in various fields including transportation, connectivity, and smart city development. Both sides agreed to renew the "MOU on Smart City Development Cooperation" signed in March 2019.

19. Both sides confirmed the importance of holding Korea-Malaysia Transport Cooperation Meetings for knowledge sharing on transportation industry development and cooperation on transportation safety and technical standards. Both sides agreed to provide continuous support to enhance cooperation between relevant railway agencies.

(v) Healthcare and Medical Science Cooperation

20. Learning from the recent COVID-19 pandemic, both sides recognized the need for closer cooperation in healthcare and medical science to prepare for potential future diseases and agreed to strengthen infectious disease response capabilities through sharing policies, best practices, and experiences, product development partnerships, training opportunities, and expanded research and development.

21. Additionally, based on the "MOU on Healthcare and Medical Cooperation" signed in November 2019 between the two countries, both sides agreed to expand cooperation related to healthcare industry including healthcare personnel exchanges, medical services, pharmaceuticals and vaccines, medical devices, and healthcare information systems to promote public health and medical industry development.

(vi) Environment and Energy Cooperation

22. Both sides reaffirmed the importance of enhancing actions against climate change, particularly strengthening bilateral consultations and cooperation on greenhouse gas emission reduction and/or removal including carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), climate change adaptation, carbon neutrality policies, and climate-friendly technologies, and welcomed the launch of the Korea-Malaysia Climate Change Dialogue in 2023.

23. Both sides recognized the importance of climate change response and agreed to strengthen cooperation on clean energy (CFE) including clean hydrogen and nuclear technologies such as small modular reactors (SMRs). Both sides welcomed Malaysia's national energy transition roadmap and agreed to enhance cooperation through regional and international partnerships including the CFE initiative proposed by the Republic of Korea.

24. Both sides welcomed the establishment of the Korea Environment Corporation office in Kuala Lumpur in 2022 and agreed to strengthen cooperation through this office to contribute to air and water quality management and improvement, greenhouse gas emission reduction, and waste management system improvement in the Southeast Asia region.

(vii) Agricultural Cooperation

25. Both sides agreed to promote cooperation in agricultural research and development, smart agriculture, and agricultural mechanization to strengthen food security. Additionally, both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in the halal food sector based on principles of reciprocity and equity.

III. Cultural, Educational, and Tourism Cooperation

26. Both sides noted the importance of cultural and social exchanges in revitalizing connections between their peoples and agreed to promote exchanges and cooperation in culture, arts, and heritage based on the "Cultural Agreement" concluded and enforced in 1965 and the "MOU on Cooperation in Culture, Arts, and Heritage" signed in December 2020.

27. Both sides agreed to strengthen educational cooperation in the public and private sectors. They noted that over 5,000 Malaysians have studied in the Republic of Korea over the past 40 years and that the Korean Education Center was established in Kuala Lumpur under the direct supervision of the Korean government in 2020. They expressed hope for continued language and cultural exchanges through institutions such as the King Sejong Institute, as well as student and academic exchanges. They also agreed to work together to promote cooperation among various stakeholders including central and local governments, TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) institutions, and enterprises in the TVET sector.

28. The Republic of Korea and Malaysia welcomed the significant increase in visitors between the two countries compared to the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic and agreed to further promote people-to-people exchanges. Both sides agreed to deepen cooperation in tourism and to sign an "MOU on Tourism" to further enhance people-to-people exchanges between Korea and Malaysia. Both sides believe that strengthening joint efforts related to consular functions and deepening cooperation on consular issues will further promote tourism.

IV. Regional and International Cooperation

29. Both sides condemned North Korea's ballistic missile launches and use of ballistic missile technology, including the intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test launch on October 31, 2024, which violate relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and threaten regional and international peace and stability. Both sides strongly urged North Korea to refrain from further provocations and illegal acts and to comply with obligations under relevant UN Security Council resolutions. They also called on North Korea to completely, verifiably, and irreversibly dismantle all weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs. Both sides expressed concern over the deepening military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, which violates international law including the UN Charter and UN Security Council resolutions. Malaysia welcomed the Republic of Korea's efforts for a denuclearized, peaceful, and prosperous Korean Peninsula, including the "Bold Initiative" and the "8.15 Unification Doctrine." Both sides emphasized the importance of addressing international human rights and humanitarian concerns, including the immediate resolution of abductees and detainees issues.

30. Both sides expressed deep concern over the crisis in the Gaza Strip and the escalating violence in Lebanon, as well as the resulting severe humanitarian situation. While supporting the peaceful resolution of conflicts, both sides called for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire in accordance with international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions, the unconditional release of all hostages and arbitrarily detained persons, ensuring smooth access for humanitarian aid, and protection of civilians. Both sides condemned all acts threatening the safety of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and urged all parties to always respect the safety and security of UNIFIL. They also called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, emphasizing that breaking the cycle of violence and retaliation and pursuing diplomatic solutions is the only way to resolve the situation.

31. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the remarkable progress in Korea-ASEAN dialogue relations through the implementation of the "Korea-ASEAN Action Plan (2021-2025)" aligned with the three pillars of the ASEAN Community. Malaysia welcomed the Republic of Korea's new commitment to strengthen the "Korea-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership" through mutually beneficial and future-oriented cooperation under the "Korea-ASEAN Solidarity Initiative (KASI)" on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of Korea-ASEAN dialogue relations. Both sides agreed to work closely to further enhance meaningful, substantive, and mutually beneficial cooperation between the Republic of Korea and ASEAN. The Republic of Korea fully supports Malaysia's chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025. Both sides agreed to cooperate to ensure Malaysia's successful chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025.

32. Recognizing that building a free, peaceful, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region is in the common interest of both countries, the Republic of Korea and Malaysia agreed to strengthen cooperation based on ASEAN centrality, openness, transparency, inclusiveness, rules-based order, good governance, respect for sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, complementarity with existing cooperation frameworks, equality, mutual respect, mutual trust, reciprocity, respect for international law including the UN Charter and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and related UN treaties and conventions, as well as the ASEAN Charter, various ASEAN treaties and agreements, and the "Principles of Mutual Respect in the 2011 East Asia Summit (EAS) Declaration" including the "ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP)."

33. The Republic of Korea reaffirmed its full support for ASEAN centrality and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), and both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in the four priority areas of AOIP?maritime cooperation, connectivity, UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030, economy, and other possible fields?within existing ASEAN-led mechanisms.

34. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further promote regional security, stability, prosperity, and international peace and agreed to enhance cooperation to address international issues such as food security, energy security, peaceful coexistence, nuclear security, peacekeeping, counterterrorism, development, economy, and climate change by utilizing ASEAN-led mechanisms including ASEAN+1, ASEAN+3, East Asia Summit (EAS), ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), and ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus).

35. Both sides noted Malaysia's successful chairmanship and hosting of the APEC meeting in 2020, which resulted in the adoption of the "APEC Putrajaya Vision 2040 (PV 2040)" aiming to build an open, dynamic, resilient, and peaceful Asia-Pacific community for the prosperity of all people and future generations by 2040. They also noted the importance of making progress in implementing PV 2040 through initiatives such as the "Aotearoa Action Plan." In this regard, both sides agreed to cooperate closely for the successful hosting of APEC 2025 by the Republic of Korea.

36. Both sides welcomed the entry into force of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which includes 15 countries, and agreed to cooperate closely for its implementation. RCEP aims to establish a comprehensive, high-quality, and mutually beneficial economic partnership, which will contribute to global economic growth and development as well as promote trade and investment expansion within the region.

37. Both sides welcomed the Republic of Korea's continued support for subregional cooperation, including the establishment of the Korea-BIMP-EAGA Cooperation Fund (BKCF) in October 2021 and the Republic of Korea's commitment to double its contributions by 2027. Both sides reaffirmed their support for reducing development gaps and promoting equitable and sustainable development in subregions.