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Malay Mail
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
President Duda: Poland, Malaysia can champion multilateralism and collective security
KUALA LUMPUR, June 11 — Medium-sized nations such as Poland and Malaysia could play a more assertive role in shaping a more equitable global order based on collective security and multilateralism amid growing geopolitical tensions, Polish President Andrzej Duda said. Speaking at a public lecture in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday, Duda said that while Poland and Malaysia are neither global powers nor small states, both have the responsibility and potential to contribute meaningfully to international affairs. 'Security today is not a choice — it is a necessity. Poland, as a country located on the eastern flank of the European Union and Nato, recognises threats but also sees opportunities from joint actions. 'We oppose a return to the politics of spheres of influence. History shows that this only leads to wars and destabilisation. 'The international system should enable us to fully participate in the global dialogue,' he said, during a public lecture titled 'Poland's Position in the EU: Challenges and Choices' at the Asia-Europe Institute (AEI) of Universiti Malaya (UM) on Wednesday. Duda, who assumed office in August 2015, is on his inaugural three-day official visit to Malaysia from June 9 to 11. Also present during the public lecture were Malaysia's Minister of Health, Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad representing the Malaysian government, Polish Ambassador to Malaysia Krzysztof Dobrowolski, and UM Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs) Professor Dr Zamri Radzi, who represented UM Vice-Chancellor Datuk Seri Ir Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman. Duda praised Malaysia's leadership as Asean Chair, highlighting its role in promoting dialogues, peaceful conflict resolutions, and sustainable development. He said both Poland and Malaysia share common interests in defending sovereignty, advancing diplomacy, and supporting a more inclusive global system. 'Medium-sized states may lack dominant military power or global political reach. But they possess something equally important; the ability to influence international processes through active diplomacy, peace-building initiatives, strengthening multilateralism, and promoting a rules-based order,' he said. Duda added that countries such as Poland and Malaysia can act as 'constructive advocates' for states that reject both domination by major powers and the marginalisation of smaller actors. 'Our agency does not stem from military strength but from activity, responsibility, and consistency in international efforts,' he said. Looking ahead, the president said Poland is eager to expand cooperation with Asean countries, particularly Malaysia, in areas such as education, defence, technology, and institutional reform. He also voiced support for reforming global institutions such as the United Nations (UN) to better reflect present-day realities and ensure genuine participation by all countries regardless of size. 'Poland and Europe are open to cooperation with Asean countries. I believe this cooperation will bring tangible benefits to both sides — and that today's meeting is yet another step in that direction,' he said. Duda's visit coincides with Malaysia's Asean Chairmanship and Poland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2025. — Bernama
South China Morning Post
30-05-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Shangri-La Dialogue: France's Macron warns credibility at stake if war condemnation inconsistent
French President Emmanuel Macron has warned of double standards in condemning conflicts, calling on world leaders to be consistent and form a coalition with a rules-based order in light of the ongoing wars around the world. During his keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD) on Friday night, Macron took swipes at Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Israel's hostilities in Gaza and China's aggression in the disputed waters of the South China Sea, pointing out that the 'big risk' was to forget the universal principles that connected all conflicts. The French president is the first European leader to deliver the keynote speech at the dialogue, widely considered as Asia's premier defence summit. The dialogue, now in its 22nd edition, is organised by the International Institute for Strategic Studies and has participants from 47 countries including ministers, chiefs of defence forces and prominent academics. China did not send Defence Minister Dong Jun to the SLD, a departure from its practice in the past three years. Instead, a delegation from the National Defence University is in Singapore to attend the forum, which began on Friday and will last till Sunday. France's President Emmanuel Macron during his keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue on Friday. Photo: AFP On the war in Ukraine, Macron said: 'If we consider that Russia could be allowed to take a part of the territory of Ukraine without any restriction, without any constraint, without any reaction of the global order, how would you phrase what could happen in Taiwan? What would you do the day something happened in the Philippines?'
