Kuala Lumpur: Unity among members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is key to addressing traditional and emerging security, Defense Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin told his counterparts here on Wednesday. In his opening remarks at the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) Retreat, Mohamed Khaled emphasized the transboundary nature of these threats and their increasing complexity and sophistication. He noted that no single member state could face these challenges alone, underscoring the importance of unity and robust regional cooperation.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Mohamed Khaled stressed that a resilient ASEAN must be inclusive, ensuring all member states are equally equipped to address security threats. He advocated for sustainable security strategies that leverage long-term, forward-thinking approaches to defense cooperation to maintain regional stability for future generations.

The Defense Minister also highlighted the growing frequency and intensity of natural disasters, calling for the bloc to enhance its collective preparedness and response capabilities. He pointed out the merit of strengthening search and rescue collaboration, particularly among the militaries, to ensure a faster and more effective response to emergencies. This collaboration would also serve as a demonstration of ASEAN's solidarity and unity in managing regional security challenges.

Malaysia has assumed the bloc's rotating chairmanship for 2025, positioning it to play a pivotal role in guiding ASEAN's security strategies in the coming years.