KUALA LUMPUR: Asean's unity must be respected, and regional stability must not come at the expense of the bloc's independence in engaging major powers.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the bloc's centrality must remain a guiding principle in its relations with external partners, including the United States (US).
"Southeast Asia's strategic position at the heart of the Indo-Pacific meant a peaceful, stable and united Asean was in the interests of both its member states and the US.
"Asean had spent decades building a regional architecture based on dialogue, mutual respect, the peaceful settlement of disputes and cooperation, allowing countries with different political systems, interests and perspectives to coexist and prosper," he said in his speech at the Asean-United States Defence Ministers' Informal Meeting.
