S Korea, Malaysia upgrade relations to strategic partnership

South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Monday agreed to forge a strategic partnership to deepen bilateral cooperation in the defence industry, trade, energy, supply chains and other areas.

The two leaders reached the agreement during a summit held as part of Anwar's three-day official visit to South Korea, which began on Sunday.

A joint statement issued after the meeting affirmed that the strategic partnership reflects the shared determination of Malaysia and South Korea to expand cooperation to new heights to promote freedom, peace and prosperity.

It said the Strategic Partnership reflects the shared commitment of both countries to addressing regional and global issues, through mechanisms of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and other multilateral forums.

The leaders also pledged to expand the scope of collaboration in a wide range of areas as the two countries commemorate the 65th anniversary of their diplomatic ties next year.

The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in four key areas, namely security, economic, culture and education and addressing regional and global issues, according to a press release from the Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The two sides also agreed to strengthen defence and security relations, including defence industry cooperation, and tackle non-traditional security challenges such as cybersecurity and drug trafficking.

The leaders also committed to concluding negotiations on a bilateral free trade agreement by next year to boost cooperation in services, investment, and emerging industries, such as biotechnology and green energy.

Regarding the situation on the Korean Peninsula, the two leaders agreed to work with the international community to find solutions to security issues on the peninsula. Anwar expressed support for South Korea's policy and welcomed Seoul's peace efforts in the region.

For his part, President Yoon expressed South Korea's support for Malaysia's role as ASEAN Chair in 2025, and emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in addressing common challenges.

On the sidelines of the summit, the two governments signed memoranda of understanding to facilitate cooperation in critical mineral supply chains, carbon capture and storage technologies, greenhouse gas reduction and tourism.