KUCHING: Sarawak’s position in the context of Asean integration, as well as the regional grouping’s engagement with all its external partners, is glowing in prominence.
Secretary general of Ministry of Foreign Affairs Datuk Seri Amran Mohamed said Sarawak has emerged as one of the significant growth centres in our region in many aspects economic cooperation, as well as cooperation in energy, green technology, sustainability and biodiversity.
“And there is great promise that the state can offer, not just to Asean but also beyond Asean. And Sarawak is not left behind.
“In fact, it is taking the lead role in all efforts to integrate Borneo, this island of Borneo, into the Asean Power Grid, hence fostering energy connectivity and cooperation while ensuring a reliable and sustainable energy network for the region,” he said.
He said this in his speech during the the gala dinner for the 24th Asean-China Senior Officials’ Meeting on the Implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), attended by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at lRiverside Majestic Hotel here on Wednesday (Aug 13).
With Sarawak is also transforming its industrial landscape with sustainable ventures in hydrogen, carbon capture, utilisation and storage, high-value petrochemicals, as well as in oil and gas, Amran added that all this augurs well with Asean’s economic diversification and environmental efforts.
“What Sarawak is doing aligns well with Malaysia’s Asean Chairmanship Team this year, that is, inclusivity and sustainability. And the importance of Kuching, where we are now, and the choice of venue for the 48th Joint Working Group of Asean-China on the Implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. We call it in short JWG-DOC.
“And the 24th Senior Officials’ Meeting, which we call SOM-DOC, extends beyond the significance of Kuching as a player in Asean,” he added.
He said geographically, Sarawak is fronting the South China Sea and neighbour to a number of Asean member states.
“And this geographical factor is not merely symbolic. Sarawak’s location means Sarawak also has significant and direct interest in seeing peaceful, stable and prosperous South China Sea,” he said.
With the implementation phase for the DOC declaration and then ongoing negotiation for the COC, Amran stated that the efforts is essentially to reaffirm its commitment and shared commitment and collective undertaking.
“One, to respect international law. Two, to build trust and confidence among us and with our partners. Three, to resolve any dispute by peaceful means without resorting to detract or use of force. And four, to exercise self-restraint.
“And fifth, to establish a set of rules governing relations and cooperation with regard to South China Sea, otherwise known as what I have already referred to as Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.
“And all these stem from our collective need to promote a peaceful, friendly and harmonious environment in the South China Sea. For what? For the better enhancement of peace, stability, economic growth and prosperity in our region and beyond.
“And therefore, we senior officials and delegates from Asean and China convened in Kuching this week to continue our work towards, one, full implementation of the DOC, the declaration, and to move forward the negotiations towards the finalization of the COC,” he added.
