00:17Ramadan for many of us is a time of reflection, but it is also time of togetherness and a celebration
00:26of fellowship between people for all walks of life. Diplomacy in many ways is not so different
00:33with the many effort that we pour into building bridges between our peoples. So let tonight ground us
00:42in the knowledge that even in a complex and uncertain world, we can dine together and choose
00:48dialogue over distance and engagement over isolation. Ladies and gentlemen, the conduct
00:55of foreign policy requires steadiness. It often takes place away from public eye. The global
01:02environment today is demanding developments move quickly. Issues are interconnected. The
01:09margin for misunderstanding misunderstanding is small. In such an environment, steadiness
01:15is the number one priority. For Malaysia, as an open and trade-dependent nation, diplomacy
01:24must be structured and well coordinated. It must be supported by capable institutions and
01:30clear processes. These are the pillars of ensuring stability so that businesses can trade, students
01:38can travel, families can feel secure, and nations can plan for the future with confidence.
01:45Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, this thinking guided us as we developed the Ministry's
01:51strategic plan 26-2030. In times such as this, we must be ready to adapt to any change at any
02:00moment. We cannot simply stay or stay the course as the course no longer exists. As anticipating
02:09rivalries and fragmenting global order increasingly shrink our space to navigate uncertainty, Malaysia
02:16must remain forward-thinking. Having said that, our foreign policy is upheld by several core values.
02:26These have always guided us as we navigate the different phases of global history since the birth
02:34of our nation. They will continue to inform our outlook. The Ministry's new strategic plan reflects
02:43our ongoing commitments to improve. It is anchored in the 13th Malaysia plan, the Madani economy
02:50framework, and the public service reform agenda. Diplomacy must open doors for trade, investment,
02:59partnership in technology, education, and innovation. The strategic plan 26-30 therefore translates our
03:08national policies and priorities into a clear program of work for the Ministry. The plan reinforces our
03:16commitment to advancing Malaysia's economic priorities, deepening bilateral partnerships, and sustaining
03:23multilateral engagement. Malaysia remains committed to constructive engagement and mutually respectful
03:31cooperation with all partners. We value the friendships we build and we will continue to nurture them with mutual
03:40respect and sincerity.
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