EIGHT STRATEGIC THRUSTS ANCHOR MALAYSIA’S FOREIGN MINISTRY STRATEGIC PLAN 2026–2030

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 23 (Bernama) — Strengthening bilateral and multilateral diplomacy, taking a proactive role in ASEAN, and upholding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of maritime areas are among the eight strategic thrusts outlined under Malaysia's Foreign Ministry Strategic Plan 2026–2030, launched on Monday.

Each thrust represents a key pillar of Malaysia’s diplomatic agenda, and is underpinned by measurable outcomes, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and a monitoring and evaluation framework to ensure effective delivery.

Under the first thrust, bilateral diplomacy is the key building block of the country’s foreign policy and remains central to advancing Malaysia’s political, economic, security and cultural interests.

Malaysia will therefore continue strengthening relations with partner countries to support sustainable national development, regional stability, and global prosperity, in line with the aspirations of the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13).

“Moving forward, Malaysia will broaden cooperation with partners in emerging fields such as the digital economy, renewable energy, climate change, food and water security, health resilience, as well as science, technology and innovation,” the document read.

Malaysia will also strengthen its multilateral diplomacy under the second strategic thrust.

The document noted that Malaysia will maintain its presence in key platforms like the United Nations (UN), Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), with the aim of strengthening its influence in multilateral forums, providing meaningful solutions to global issues and challenges, and preserving the multilateral system guided by the core MADANI values.

“This Strategic Plan 2026-2030 represents both continuity and evolution, building upon Malaysia’s established foundation in multilateral diplomacy while urgently adapting to the challenges of a rapidly changing global landscape,” the document said.

The next strategic thrust underscores Malaysia’s proactive role in ASEAN, which remains the cornerstone of its foreign policy.

As ASEAN approaches its 60th anniversary in 2027, Malaysia will work closely with fellow member states to implement ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future, adopted during Malaysia’s 2025 Chairmanship.

“ASEAN will continue to advance peace and stability works towards strengthening regional integration, narrowing development gaps, enhancing connectivity and broadening ASEAN’s global partnerships,” it said.

Meanwhile, Malaysia remains steadfast in upholding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its maritime areas in accordance with national laws and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982.

“Malaysia is committed to preserving peace and stability in the South China Sea, and will continue to promote South China Sea as a sea for global maritime trade,” it said under the fourth strategic thrust of the Strategic Plan 2026-2030.

The ministry said it will strive to defend Malaysia’s sovereignty, sovereign rights and maritime claims; advocate specific maritime and Law of the Sea issues of interest; and enhance Malaysia’s role on maritime and Law of the Sea-related issues at the UN and other international and regional organisations.

Meanwhile, the fifth and sixth strategic thrusts focus on delivering proactive and effective services to stakeholders, as well as enhancing strategic communication and innovative public diplomacy.

Among others, the ministry will strengthen consular services and pursue a whole-of-government approach to deliver a unified and coherent narrative amid rising misinformation and geopolitical shifts.

 The seventh thrust emphasises strengthening the institution and human capital excellence through modernisation of processes, adoption of innovative technologies and professional training, while the eighth thrust aims to strengthen the National Authority’s mandate in the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention in Malaysia.

-- BERNAMA