Kuala lumpur: Malaysia and the United States have reinforced their partnership with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) focused on civil nuclear cooperation. This agreement marks a pivotal development in the countries’ bilateral relations, especially in the realms of energy security and sustainable growth.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan highlighted the MoU as a crucial step in the shared journey to strengthen the Malaysia-US comprehensive partnership. The signing took place during the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and related gatherings. The MoU is seen as a component of Malaysia’s strategy to secure energy, stimulate economic growth, and develop national nuclear energy capacity responsibly.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, present at the signing, acknowledged the MoU as a model for civil nuclear cooperation between trusted partners. Rubio expressed enthusiasm about the agreement, emphasizing the potential for civil nuclear cooperation globally and affirming the US’s commitment to advancing negotiations on the 123 Agreement with Malaysia.

Rubio also recognized the broader geopolitical implications of the MoU, noting its role in establishing a robust civil nuclear partnership grounded in safety, security, and non-proliferation. His visit to Malaysia for the 58th AMM marked his first official engagement in Asia as Secretary of State.

The 58th AMM, under Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship theme ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability,’ features participation from over 1,500 delegates from ASEAN and its partner countries across 24 ministerial-level meetings.