Malaysia will maintain independent, neutral foreign policy: PM

KUALA LUMPUR, July 3 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia will continue to pursue an independent and neutral foreign policy while defending its national interests and principled positions on international issues, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on Thursday.

Malaysia will continue to cultivate relationships and support initiatives that advance its values, reflecting Malaysia's identity, historical experience and the need to adapt to an increasingly uncertain global environment, Anwar said in his keynote address at the 39th Asia-Pacific Roundtable (APR).

"We take principled stances and positions but not sides. These include our unwavering support for the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law. The use of force or coercion, military or economic, will only compound resentment and unintended consequences," he added.

Anwar also reiterated Malaysia's support and commitment to a multipolar order, stressing that developing countries deserve greater representation in decision-making, with the perspectives of Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Pacific carrying greater weight.

"The answer to ever greater uncertainty and weakening of global norms and institutions is not less multilateralism but more effective cooperation. No one country can effectively address the ramifications of climate change, pandemics, food security or cyber threats alone," he said.

The APR is the signature international conference of the Institute of Strategic & International Studies Malaysia on behalf of the ASEAN Institutes of Strategic & International Studies. Enditem