Kuala lumpur: Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on strategic civil nuclear cooperation during the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting, held in Kuala Lumpur between July 8 and 11.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Rubio expressed his desire to move forward with negotiations on a 123 Agreement. This agreement would pave the way for establishing a civil nuclear partnership and ensure adherence to the highest standards of safety, security, and nonproliferation. Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan emphasized that the memorandum represents a pivotal step toward strengthening the comprehensive bilateral partnership. He affirmed Malaysia's readiness to initiate negotiations on a 123 Agreement with the US.
Hasan reiterated his country's commitment to using nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, maintaining alignment with the highest international standards. He also mentioned plans to tighten enforcement against illegal ship-to-ship transfers within Malaysian waters by the end of July. The US Secretary of State's visit to Malaysia marked the beginning of his first Asian tour since assuming office. During his visit, Rubio is also set to participate in the US-ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting, the East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers' Meeting, and the ASEAN Regional Forum Foreign Ministers' Meeting.