KUALA LUMPUR: World major countries are serious about maintaining the peace in Malaysia and other Asean countries what with the conflict in the Middle East.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said this was stated at the Asean Defence Ministers Meeting (ADMM) also attended by ADMM-Plus members Japan, China, India, South Korea, Russia and the United States.
“I had direct contact with leaders from China, Russia and the United States,” he told reporters at the Aidilfitri open house of Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM) here, yesterday.
The two-day ADMM held in Brunei ended Thursday.
He said all the countries agreed to promote the principle of non-violence in resolving disputes such as the South China Sea via dialogue, seminar and workshop.
The meeting also agreed to enhance cooperation in cyber security and social media management and strengthen ties and interaction between military officers at all levels.
Hishammuddin hopes that UPNM could become a pioneer in the creation of strategy experts to ensure peace in this region.
On another note, he said the government is ready to help Malaysians in Syria to return home.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman had said 15 Malaysians including 9 students had chosen to stay in Syria although they were advised to leave the war torn country. — Bernama