PRIME Minister Scott Morrison and Prime Minister of Malaysia, Muhyiddin Mohd Yassin, held the first Australia-Malaysia Annual Leaders’ Meeting on 27 January 2021 via video conference.

The leaders agreed to elevate relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, to be underpinned by three areas of co-operation: economic prosperity; society and technology; and defence and regional security and guided by a plan of action developed and agreed between both countries.

This includes an Annual Leaders’ Meetings, of which this virtual meeting was the first. ALMs will formalise engagement at leaders’ level and ensure that a high ambition for the relationship is maintained across all sectors.

The leaders agreed to increase consultation and co-operation on strategic issues including resilient supply chains. They emphasised the importance of free trade and investment, as well as open economies and business-friendly policies.

Mr Muhyiddin and Mr Morrison committed to maintaining the trade facilitative measures that were implemented during COVID-19, and for the rollback of trade restrictive measures as soon as possible.

The Prime Ministers recognised the need to review free trade agreements, to ensure they remain “remain fit-for-purpose as Australia and Malaysia’s economies change with time”.

The leaders expressed the shared aspiration of Malaysia and Australia, as two maritime nations facing the Indian and Pacific Oceans, for a peaceful, stable and prosperous maritime domain.

They emphasised their support for a rules-based maritime order underpinned by adherence to international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea as the legal framework for the oceans and seas.

They also agreed to strengthen dialogue on bilateral maritime cooperation and shared maritime interests.

“The leaders encouraged officials to further explore and enhance capacity building programs within existing platforms,” according to the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade.

Prime Minister Muhyiddin welcomed Australia’s commitment of A$65m for regional maritime states to develop marine resources sustainably and address marine challenges through enhanced training, technical advice and co-operation.

The leaders expressed serious concerns about developments in the South China Sea and emphasised the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation and overflight in accordance with international law, and promoting maritime safety and security. They further emphasised the need for all states to comply with international law, including UNCLOS.