FOREIGN MINISTRY STRATEGIC PLAN 2026-2030 SETS DIRECTION FOR MALAYSIA’S GLOBAL DIPLOMACY

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 23 (Bernama) — The Foreign Ministry Strategic Plan 2026-2030, launched on Monday, serves as the guiding framework for Malaysia’s continued engagement with nations, international organisations, and stakeholders in the next five years.

According to the document, it is firmly grounded in national interests, values, and priorities, and is consistent with the principles and purposes enshrined in Malaysia’s Federal Constitution, the ASEAN Charter and the United Nations Charter.

The Plan outlines Foreign Ministry’s (Wisma Putra) approach to strengthening Malaysia’s steadfast commitment to bilateral, regional and multilateral engagement through a principled, pragmatic and forward-looking diplomacy.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan commended the ministry on the publication of the Strategic Plan, describing it as a clear expression of Malaysia’s determination to navigate an increasingly complex international landscape with confidence and purpose.

“Through this Plan, Wisma Putra aims to set clear priorities for Malaysia’s foreign policy that is resilient, adaptable, and anchored by strong international partnerships. It outlines how Malaysia will engage with a changing world, while ensuring that our diplomacy remains both principled and pragmatic,” he said in the foreword.

The minister emphasised that ASEAN remains the cornerstone of Malaysia's foreign policy, adding that beyond the regional context, Malaysia will continue to enhance cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, education, renewable energy, as well as expand South-South collaboration, based on the principles of mutual respect and shared interests.

Mohamad said through this Strategic Plan, Malaysia reaffirms its active and leading role in global platforms such as the United Nations (UN), the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), advocating for a world that is more just, inclusive and sustainable. 

Meanwhile, Foreign Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Seri Amran Mohamed Zin said the Strategic Plan outlines Wisma Putra’s direction in strengthening Malaysia’s global standing by promoting and aligning the core values of Malaysia MADANI within the country’s strategic engagements.

He said the Plan is anchored within the broader national policy framework, including the MADANI Economy Framework, 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13) and the Agenda Reformasi Perkhidmatan Awam (ARPA), ensuring that Malaysia’s foreign policy and institutional transformation directly reinforce the government’s drive for sustainable growth, resilience, and shared prosperity.

Amran said aligned with MADANI Economy Framework, Wisma Putra’s diplomatic initiatives will focus on attracting strategic investments, expanding trade and technology linkages, and further enhancing Malaysia’s reputation as a reliable and forward-looking partner in the global economy.

“The implementation of this Strategic Plan will also enable Wisma Putra to advance the objectives of RMK13, which prioritises innovation-driven growth, environmental sustainability, and social well-being through deeper international partnerships, promoting bilateral and regional cooperation, as well as strengthening Malaysia’s activism and leadership at multilateral fora,” he said in the preface.

Amran said the Plan’s emphasis on digital transformation, performance excellence and talent development will ensure Wisma Putra remains a dynamic and efficient organisation, fully equipped to meet domestic demands and address evolving global challenges, while supporting ARPA’s objective to modernise and professionalise public service delivery.

The Strategic Plan 2026-2030 builds upon the achievements of the Strategic Plan 2021–2025 and insights drawn from its mid-term review, guided by the MADANI Economy Framework and the RMK13, and carries forward the legacy and progress derived from Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025. 

Anchored by eight strategic thrusts, supported by 33 key strategies and 139 targeted programmes, the Plan will be implemented over the next five years, with each thrust underpinned by measurable outcomes, key performance indicators (KPIs) and a monitoring and evaluation framework.

Each strategic thrust represents a key pillar of Malaysia’s diplomatic agenda, from enhancing bilateral and multilateral relations, to strengthening economic diplomacy, championing sustainable development, leveraging digital technologies, and protecting the welfare of Malaysians abroad.

“Overall, the Strategic Plan 2026–2030 seeks not only to consolidate Malaysia’s diplomatic achievements but also to chart new pathways to advance the nation’s foreign policy in alignment with its national interests, values, and priorities, in the mould of Malaysia MADANI,” the document read.

-- BERNAMA