Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia

Bilateral Relations

Developing close bilateral relations with our neighbours remains a high priority. A constructive approach had been taken to resolve outstanding problems including those related to overlapping claims and the determination of land and maritime boundaries. Every diplomatic effort is made to ensure that bilateral relations do not become adversely affected on account of such problems with all our neighbours concerned. Agreeing to refer to the ICJ, the overlapping territorial claims that Malaysia has with Indonesia and Singapore, indicates the extent to which we are prepared to go in achieving solutions to bilateral problems.

The establishment of separate joint commissions between Malaysia and Brunei, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam has also provided a useful framework to develop wide-ranging bilateral co-operation in all fields of mutual interest.

Photo: Their Majesties the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Wathiqu Billah Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Nur Zahirah in audience with His Excellency Choummaly Sayasone, the President of the Lao People's Democratic Republic and Madame Keosaychay Sayasone during Their Majesties’ historic visit to the republic. Since the establishment of Diplomatic relations, this was the first visit by a Malaysian Head of State to the republic.

Whilst Malaysia's main focus with the outside world is geared towards countries within ASEAN, its relations with other countries and regions are no less important. The nation’s first diplomatic missions were set up in London, Washington, Canberra, New York, New Delhi, Jakarta and Bangkok. By 1963, Malaysia has established 14 Diplomatic Missions overseas. The number grew steadily to 21 in 1966. Today, Malaysia had a network of 105 diplomatic missions spanning the globe - a proud testament on how far Malaysia’s bilateral relations has progressed over the years, in tandem with the nation’s progress.

In this regard, Malaysia places equal importance to ties with the other Asian, African, Middle-Eastern, and Latin American countries and will continue to strengthen and enhance the already strong ties with the regions. Bilateral relations with other Asian, African, Middle-Eastern, and Latin American countries would continue to be pursued without neglecting our traditional economic partners in Europe and America. Japan, the European Union, the US, and Australia and the Republic of Korea, would remain Malaysia's major trading partners as well as the source of investment and technology.

The only exception is Israel. Like other countries, Malaysia is also concerned with continued tension and conflict in the Middle East, such as the Palestinian - Israel conflict, which remain unresolved. [In showing its concern, Malaysia would consider beginning relations with Israel only when a comprehensive peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinian people is successfully concluded.

Photo: The Fourth Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad exchanging documents on bilateral agreement with Madame Margaret Thatcher, the former British Prime Minister in a signing ceremony held in October 1989 on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Kuala Lumpur from 18-24 October 1989.

Similarly, Malaysia does not intend to lessen its traditional ties with the West. There is no contradiction between Malaysia's justifiable criticisms of the west on certain issues and our continued acceptance of western countries as a market for our products and as a source for investment in our country.

The expanded Europe will not only be the focus for increased contact for Malaysia, but it would also be the case in term of ASEAN's relations with its counterpart in Europe through the ASEM or similarly ASEAN’s relations to the American continent through APEC.

Besides ASEAN, Malaysia places great emphasis on our relations with countries in North East Asia. As a strong proponent of regional cooperation, China has always been a staunch friend of ASEAN. It was China's unflinching support that helped the region overcome the financial and economic crisis of 1997. China is expected to play a significant and positive role in strengthening ties between ASEAN and North East Asia. Our bilateral ties with Japan and the Republic of Korea are equally important. We look forward to the eventual integration of these two regions. Similarly also, our adoption of the "One China Policy", whilst pursuing close economic relations with Taiwan, bears no paradox but reflects our pragmatism in the face of certain realities.