Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak called on ASEAN to strengthen unity to ensure the group’s continued credibility and to maintain its central role in the region in his opening remarks at the 30^th Asia-Pacific Roundtable in Kuala Lumpur on May 30.

He asked ASEAN members to manage relations with larger world powers well.

Regarding the East Sea issue, he stated that recent developments in the sea called for careful decisions by countries both inside and outside the region.

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak (Source: Guardian)

ASEAN should conclude negotiations on a Code of Conduct in the East Sea with China soon. At the same time, parties involved should fully implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea, he said.

The Malaysian PM also affirmed that his country would rely on diplomacy and dialogue to peacefully resolve differences and disputes with respect to international law.

The 30^th Asia-Pacific Roundtable is held by the Institute of Strategic and International Studies of Malaysia from May 30 to June 1.

(Source: VNA)