Foreign relations of Malaysia
Template:Short description Template:EngvarB Template:Use dmy dates
Malaysia is an active member of various international organisations, including the Commonwealth of Nations, the United Nations, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and the Non-Aligned Movement. It has also in recent times been an active proponent of regional co-operation.
Foreign Policy 1957–1969
[edit]Malaysia has been a member of the Commonwealth since independence in 1957, when it entered into the Anglo-Malayan Defence Agreement (AMDA) with the United Kingdom whereby Britain guaranteed the defence of Malaya (and later Malaysia). The presence of British and other Commonwealth troops were crucial to Malaysia's security during the Malayan Emergency (1948–1960) and the Indonesian Confrontation (1962–1966), which was sparked by Malaya's merger with the British colonies of Singapore, Sarawak and North Borneo to form Malaysia in 1963.
The British defence guarantee ended following Britain's decision in 1967 to withdraw its forces east of Suez, and was replaced in 1971 with the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) by which Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and Singapore agreed to co-operate in the area of defence, and to "consult" in the event of external aggression or the threat of attack on Malaysia or Singapore. The FPDA continues to operate, and the Five Powers have a permanent Integrated Area Defence System based at RMAF Butterworth, and organise annual naval and air exercises.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman (up to 1970), Malaysia pursued a strongly pro-Commonwealth anti-communist foreign policy. Nonetheless, Malaysia was active in the opposition to apartheid that saw South Africa quit the Commonwealth in 1961, and was a founding member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 1967 and the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) in 1969, with the Tunku as its first Secretary-General in 1971.
Foreign policy since 1969
[edit]Under Prime Minister Abdul Razak Hussein, Malaysia shifted its policy towards non-alignment and neutrality. Malaysia's foreign policy is officially based on the principle of neutrality and maintaining peaceful relations with all countries, regardless of their ideology or political system, and to further develop relations with other countries in the region.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 1971, ASEAN issued its neutralist and anti-nuclear Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality (ZOPFAN) Declaration. In the same year, Malaysia joined the Non-Aligned Movement. Consistent with this policy Malaysia established diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China in 1974.
This policy shift was continued and strengthened by Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who pursued a regionalist and pro-South policy with at times strident anti-Western rhetoric. He long sought to establish an East Asian Economic Group as an alternative to APEC, excluding Australia, New Zealand and the Americas, and during his premiership Malaysia signed up to an ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) and ASEAN+3, a regional forum with China, Japan and South Korea
A strong tenet of Malaysia's policy is national sovereignty and the right of a country to control its domestic affairs.<ref name="dfat">Template:Cite web</ref> Malaysia views regional co-operation as the cornerstone of its foreign policy. It attaches a high priority to the security and stability of Southeast Asia, and has tried to strengthen relations with other Islamic states.<ref name="govtnz">Template:Cite web</ref> Malaysia was a leading advocate of expanding ASEAN's membership to include Laos, Vietnam, and Burma, arguing that "constructive engagement" with these countries, especially Burma, will help bring political and economic changes. Malaysia is also a member of G-15 and G-77 economic groupings.
Despite Mahathir's frequently anti-Western rhetoric he worked closely with Western countries, and led a crackdown against Islamic fundamentalists after the 11 September attacks. The current Minister of Foreign Affairs is Dato' Seri Hishamuddin Hussein, who assumed office on 10 March 2020.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> with Kamaruddin Jaafar was deputy minister.
Malaysia has never recognised Israel and has no diplomatic ties with it,<ref name="myis">Template:Cite web</ref> with the country ever condemning the Israelis action during their raid over a Gaza humanitarian mission and request the International Criminal Court to take any action against them.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Malaysia has stated it will only establish an official relations with Israel once a peace agreement with the State of Palestine been reached and called for both parties to find a quick resolution.<ref name="myis"/><ref name="nst">Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Malaysian peacekeeping forces have contributed to many UN peacekeeping missions, such as in Namibia, Cambodia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Somalia, East Timor and Lebanon.<ref name="state.gov">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> On July 29, 2024, Malaysia officially applied to join the BRICS economic bloc and geopolitical organization.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
International affiliations
[edit]Malaysia is a founding member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (now the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite webTemplate:Dead link</ref> It is also a member of the Non-Aligned Movement.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Kuala Lumpur was the site of the first East Asia Summit in 2005,<ref name="govtnz"/> and Malaysia has chaired ASEAN, the OIC, and the NAM in the past. A former British colony, it is also a member of the Commonwealth.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Malaysia is affiliated with the United Nations and many of its specialised agencies, including UNESCO, World Bank, International Monetary Fund, International Atomic Energy Agency; General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade. It is also a member of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, the Developing 8 Countries.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Asian Development Bank, Five-Power Defense Arrangement, G-77, and South Centre.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On 31 October 2011 Malaysia became a party to the Antarctic Treaty.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
International disputes
[edit]The policy towards territorial disputes by the Malaysian government is one of pragmatism, solving disputes in a number of ways, including some resolved in the International Court of Justice.
Spratly and other islands in the South China Sea
[edit]Malaysia has asserted sovereignty over the Spratly Islands together with China, the Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Brunei. Tensions have eased since 2002 "Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea". However, it is not the legally binding code of conduct sought by some parties.<ref name="CIA Disputes">Template:Cite web</ref> Malaysia was not party to a March 2005 joint accord among the national oil companies of China, the Philippines and Vietnam on conducting marine seismic activities in the Spratly Islands.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Malaysia long maintained a low-key approach to the dispute, maintaining positive relations with China due to strong economic ties, a large ethnic Chinese population, and a desire for a balance of power in the region.<ref name="Response">Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> However, as Chinese fishing vessels and coast guard ships have become increasingly assertive,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Malaysia has increased its diplomatic and military responses.<ref name="Response"/><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Ligitan, Sipadan and Ambalat
[edit]The ICJ awarded Ligitan and Sipadan islands to Malaysia over Indonesia but left the maritime boundary in the hydrocarbon-rich Celebes Sea in dispute,<ref name="CIA Disputes"/><ref name="MYIDPHSG">Template:Cite report</ref> culminating in hostile confrontations in March 2005 over concessions to the Ambalat oil block.
Singapore
[edit]Singapore was a part of Malaysia for two years (1963–65), but it ultimately was asked by Tunku to secede after increased racial tensions due to the election campaigns in 1964. Today, disputes continue among other things, over the pricing of deliveries of raw untreated water to Singapore, Singapore's land reclamation causing a negative environmental impact in Malaysian waters, a new bridge to replace the Johor-Singapore Causeway which Singapore does not want to pay for, maritime boundaries,<ref name="CIA Disputes"/> the redevelopment of Malayan Railway lands in Singapore and Pedra Branca. Both parties however, agreed to ICJ arbitration on the island dispute. On 24 May 2008, the International Court of Justice ruled that Pedra Branca belonged to Singapore with the nearby Middle Rocks going to Malaysia.<ref name="CIA Disputes"/><ref name="MYIDPHSG"/> Regarding railway land in Singapore, see also Malaysia-Singapore Points of Agreement of 1990. On introducing budget flights between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, the stumbling block appears to be Malaysia's sympathy towards flag carrier Malaysia Airlines, and preference for the existing near duopoly with Singapore Airlines.
The Philippines
[edit]The Philippines has a dormant claim to eastern Sabah.<ref name="CIA Disputes"/><ref name="MYIDPHSG"/>
Brunei
[edit]Malaysia's land boundary with Brunei around Limbang is no longer in dispute. On 16 March 2009, Brunei announced its decision to drop a long-standing claim to Sarawak's Limbang district.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> This was the result of the two countries resolving their various land and sea territorial disputes.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> This issue was resolved along with several other disputes with the sealing and signing of letters of exchange by Abdullah and the Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei at Istana Nurul Iman. As of 2010, the two countries are working towards resolving disputes over their maritime boundaries.<ref name="CIA Disputes"/>
Thailand
[edit]According to a source, the areas around Ko Kra and Ko Losin in present-day Thailand are once disputed with Malaysia.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
Diplomatic relations
[edit]List of countries which Malaysia maintains diplomatic relations with:
Bilateral relations
[edit]ASEAN
[edit]| Country | Formal relations began | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Template:Flagu | 1 January 1984 | Template:MainTemplate:See also
Brunei has a High Commission in Kuala Lumpur, and consulates in Kota Kinabalu and Kuching. Malaysia maintains a high commission in Bandar Seri Begawan. Both countries are full members of the Commonwealth of Nations. The states of Sarawak and Sabah in East Malaysia are connected to Brunei via the Pan Borneo Highway. Brunei has denounced its claims on Limbang and recognises Malaysia's full sovereignty. In 2003, Brunei and Malaysia ceased gas and oil exploration in their disputed offshore and deep water seabeds and negotiations have stalemated prompting consideration of international adjudication. |
| Template:Flagu | 31 August 1957<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | Template:Main
More than 24,000 Cambodians visited Malaysia since the first half of 2012, while Malaysian visited to Cambodia numbered 54,000.<ref name="td">Template:Cite news</ref> In 2011, bilateral trade between the two countries worth over US$319.5 million and in 2010 Malaysia were consider as one of the biggest investors in the country with the total investments were U$2.19 billion while Malaysian investments in Cambodia during the past two years totalling U$118 million.<ref name="td"/><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Template:Flagu | 31 August 1957,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> severed diplomatic relations 15 September 1963, restored 31 August 1967 | Template:MainTemplate:See also
|
| Template:Flagu | 1 July 1966 | Template:Main
During the collapse of the Communist bloc, the Soviet Union could no longer afford aid for the development of Laos.<ref name="Stuart-Fox1997">Template:Cite book</ref> This made Laos seek aid from other countries to help develop their country and has led the country to adopt a neutral foreign policy.<ref name="Stuart-Fox1997"/> When this policy of neutrality was adopted, relations with Malaysia were established.<ref name="Stuart-Fox1997"/> |
| Template:Flagu | 1 March 1958 | Template:Main
Myanmar has an embassy in Kuala Lumpur.<ref name="mm">Template:Cite web</ref> Relations between the two countries were established on 1 March 1957 and the first Burmese mission at the legation level was set up in Kuala Lumpur in June 1959 and later raised to the embassy level.<ref name="mm"/> |
| Template:Flagu | October 1959, severed 16 September 1963, restored 18 May 1964, severed 29 November 1968, restored 16 December 1969 | Template:MainTemplate:See also
|
| Template:Flagu | 1 September 1965 | Template:MainTemplate:See also
Singapore has a High Commission in Kuala Lumpur and a Consulate in Johor Bahru, Malaysia and Malaysia has a High Commission in Singapore. Both countries are full members of the Commonwealth of Nations. See also Malaysia-Singapore border, Pedra Branca dispute |
| Template:Flagu | 31 August 1957 | Template:MainTemplate:See also
Thailand has an embassy in Kuala Lumpur, and consulates in George Town and Kota Bharu. Malaysia maintains an embassy in Bangkok. Recently, Thai-Malay relations have soured considerably due to the ethnically-Malay Pattani separatists in three southern provinces of Thailand. |
| Template:Flagu | 30 March 1973 | Template:MainTemplate:See also
|
East Asia
[edit]| Country | Formal relations began | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Template:Flagu | 31 May 1974 | Template:Main
China has an embassy in Kuala Lumpur, and consulates in George Town, Kota Kinabalu and Kuching. Malaysia maintains an embassy in Beijing, and consulates in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xi'an, Nanning and Guilin. Diplomatic relations were established in 1974. Following the end of the Cold War, diplomatic foreign relations between China and Malaysia immediately turned positive. Although issues arose from China's activities in the South China Sea, the political and cultural connections between the two nations strengthened. Both countries are full members of APEC, and there is a sizeable population of Chinese in Malaysia. |
| Template:Flagu (Special Administrative Region of China) | 2 July 1971 | Template:Main
Hong Kong enjoys significant autonomy in economic, trade, financial and monetary matters.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Currently, Malaysia has a consulate general office in Wan Chai and the relations are mostly based on economic co-operation.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Template:Flagu | 31 August 1957<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | Template:Main
Japan has an embassy in Kuala Lumpur, and consulates in George Town and Kota Kinabalu. Malaysia maintains an embassy in Tokyo. Bilateral economic trades between Malaysia and Japan have increased. In 2011, total trade between both countries was at MYR145.3 billion. Japan has increased its import of liquefied natural gas to about 34%. Before 2007, the bilateral rate between both countries were at a deficit. About 1,400 Japanese companies are operating in Malaysia creating more than 11,000 job opportunities. Halal certification endorsement by the Malaysian government has allowed Malaysian companies in the halal food industry to compete well in the Japanese market. The building of a halal park in Japan is also considered.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Template:Flagu | 30 June 1973,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> diplomatic relations was severed 19 March 2021 | Template:Main
North Korea maintained friendly diplomatic ties with Malaysia. In an effort to boost tourism between the two countries, North Korea announced that Malaysians will not require a visa to visit North Korea.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> North Korea's flag carrier, Air Koryo has regular flights to Kuala Lumpur. Recently, Malaysia's Bernama News Agency reported that the two countries will enhance co-operation in information-related areas.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> North Korea maintains an embassy in Kuala Lumpur while Malaysia has an embassy in Pyongyang.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> After the assassination of Kim Jong-nam due to poisoning at Kuala Lumpur International Airport in February 2017 allegedly under the orders of the North Korean leader and his half-brother Kim Jong-un, relations between both countries steadily worsened, and as a response Malaysia gradually withdrew its ambassador from North Korea,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> cancelled the visa-free entry for North Koreans for security reasons,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and decided to expel the North Korean ambassador.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> On 19 March 2021, North Korea severed diplomatic relations with Malaysia after the Kuala Lumpur High Court rejected North Korean businessman Mun Chol Myong's appeal against extradition to the United States on money laundering charges.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In response, the Malaysian Government defended the Malaysian judicial process and ordered the closure of the North Korean Embassy and expulsion of North Korean diplomats and their dependents.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> |
| Template:Flagu | 23 February 1960 | Template:Main
The two countries established relations in 1960. South Korean president Lee Myung-bak was in Kuala Lumpur from 9–10 December 2010 for a two-day visit to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Malaysia and South Korea.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Template:Flagu | 8 September 1971 | Template:Main
Malaysia has an honorary consulate in Ulaanbaatar,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and Mongolia honorary consulate in Bangkok was accredited to Malaysia.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> However, since 2006, Mongolia has not presented any ambassador to Malaysia for seven years due to the murder of a Mongolian citizen on the country, but later decided to appointing an ambassador in 2014.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Template:Flagu | early 1960s<ref name="MFTC">Template:Cite web</ref> | Template:Main
Economic and cultural relations are still maintained with Malaysia which has a trade centre office in Taipei,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and Taiwan has an economic and cultural centre in Kuala Lumpur.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
Middle East
[edit]| Country | Formal relations began | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Template:Flag | 25 November 1974 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 25 November 1974<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Main
Bahrain has an embassy in Kuala Lumpur,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> and Malaysia has an embassy in Manama.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Template:Flagu | 10 September 1957 | Template:Main
|
| Template:Flagu | 7 October 1966 | Template:Main
Diplomatic relations between Iran and Malaysia are brotherly and cooperative, with Iran having its embassy in Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia having its embassy in Tehran. The two countries are members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the D8. The Economic trade between Iran and Malaysia is quite sturdy as well, amounting to US$1.43 billion as of 2008.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2010, ASEAN jointly with Iran opened a trade centre in Malaysia to promote trade ties between Iran and the regional countries.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Template:Flagu | Template:Center | Template:Main
Despite initial contact after the independence of Malaysia, no diplomatic relations were made. Malaysia consistently rejected relations with Israel as it tried to increase its relations with Arab states and shore up support for its conflict with Indonesia. Malaysia officially declared it did not recognise Israel in 1966. Relations ceased to exist until the 1990s, when limited economic ties were made, although diplomatic ties were explicitly rejected. Malaysia has stated it will open ties with Israel once a final solution been reach with the State of Palestine.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> |
| Template:Flagu | January 1966 | Template:Main
Jordan has an embassy in Kuala Lumpur,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and Malaysia has an embassy in Amman.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Relations between the two countries are mainly in economic and Islamic affairs. |
| Template:Flag | 28 March 1965 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 28 March 1965<ref name=":0">Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Main
Kuwait has an embassy in Kuala Lumpur, and Malaysia has an embassy in Kuwait City.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Relations are mainly in economic co-operation. |
| Template:Flagu | 1965 | Template:Main
Lebanon has an embassy in Kuala Lumpur,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and Malaysia has an embassy in Beirut.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Template:Flagu | 15 January 1982<ref>Template:Cite webTemplate:Dead link</ref> | Template:Main
Oman and Malaysia signed an agreement for Oman to import frozen chicken from Malaysia, costing 120 million Malaysian ringgit. Oman imports most of its food, up to 80%.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Template:Flagu | Template:Main
Palestine has an embassy in Kuala Lumpur.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Malaysia is a supporter of the Palestinian bid for UN membership.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> | |
| Template:Flagu | 1974 | Template:Main
Malaysia has an embassy in Doha,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and Qatar has an embassy in Kuala Lumpur.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Template:Flagu | 1957 | Template:Main
Saudi Arabia has an embassy in Kuala Lumpur, and Malaysia has an embassy in Riyadh. Relations, both diplomatic and economic, are quite close between the two Muslim-majority OIC members. Additionally, there is a sizeable population of Malaysian migrant workers in Saudi Arabia. |
| Template:Flagu | 1958 | Template:Main
Syria has an embassy in Kuala Lumpur, and Malaysia has an embassy in Damascus. Syria and Malaysia negotiated over a $30 billion worth of contracts over Malaysian companies building infrastructure in Syria.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Template:Flagu | 17 June 1964<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | See Malaysia–Turkey relations
|
| Template:Flagu | 1974 | Template:Main
United Arab Emirates has an embassy in Kuala Lumpur, and Malaysia has an embassy in Abu Dhabi. |
| Template:Flagu | Template:Main
Malaysia has an embassy in Sana'a,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and Yemen has an embassy in Kuala Lumpur.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
South Asia
[edit]| Country | Formal relations began | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Template:Flagu | 11 September 1972 | Template:Main
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| Template:Flagu | 8 October 1957<ref name="india" /> | Template:Main
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| Template:Flagu | 1968 | Template:Main
Malaysia's High Commission in Colombo is also accredited to the Maldives,<ref name="intro">Template:Cite web</ref> and Maldives has a High Commission in Kuala Lumpur.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Template:Flagu | 1 January 1960 | Template:Main
Malaysia has an embassy in Kathmandu,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and Nepal has an embassy in Kuala Lumpur.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 January 1960,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> with bilateral relations between Malaysia and Nepal have developed from historic grounds.<ref name="br">Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Template:Flagu | 1957 | Template:Main
Pakistan has its High Commission in Kuala Lumpur, and Malaysia has its High Commission in Islamabad. Pakistan has strong brotherly relations with Malaysia. Both are members of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Commonwealth of Nations. There is a trade and cultural pact between the two countries, under which the import and export of various goods is done on fairly large scale. The President and the Prime Minister of Pakistan along with other high officials visited Malaysia many times and Malaysian officials also paid a good will visit to Pakistan. Both countries enjoy close relations and military links of mutual friendship and the co-operation has further strengthened. Since the independence of Malaysia, Pakistan has supported the re-unification of Singapore, Pattani and Brunei as integral part of Kuala Lumpur's administration; it also considers the Riau Islands as part of the Malayan Federation since its independence in 1957. Pakistan and Malaysia are linked by air transport. Pakistan International Airlines and Malaysia Airlines operate many weekly flights between Karachi and Kuala Lumpur. Both Malaysia and Pakistan were a part of the South east Asian version of NATO called SEATO also known as a 'mutual defence pact'.Template:Citation needed |
| Template:Flagu | October 1957 | Template:Main
Malaysia has a High Commission in Colombo,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and Sri Lanka has a High Commission in Kuala Lumpur.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Diplomatic relations have been established since 1957. President Chandrika Kumaratunga made a state visit in 1997 and several memorandum of understanding (MoU) were signed during the meeting.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
Other parts of Asia
[edit]| Country | Formal relations began | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Template:Flagu | 5 April 1993 | Template:Main
|
| Template:Flagu | 20 May 2002 | Template:Main
East Timor has an embassy in Kuala Lumpur,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and Malaysia has an embassy in Dili.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Since 1999, Malaysia has contributed to many UN peacekeeping missions on the country, such as one are the Operation Astute during the 2006 East Timorese crisis.<ref name="un">Template:Cite web</ref> Malaysia also has provided assistance to East Timor in the area of human resources development through various training programmes and providing assistance to East Timor in its nation building efforts.<ref name="un"/> |
| Template:Flagu | 16 March 1992 | Template:Main
Kazakhstan has an embassy in Kuala Lumpur while Malaysia has an embassy in Astana. Both are members of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). |
| Template:Flagu | 26 March 1992 | Template:Main
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| Template:Flagu | 11 March 1992 | Template:Main
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| Template:Flagu | 17 May 1992 | Template:Main
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| Template:Flagu | 21 February 1992<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | Template:Main
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Europe
[edit]| Country | Formal relations began | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Template:Flagu | 23 June 1981 | Template:See also
|
| Template:Flagu | 11 March 1993 | See Foreign relations of Armenia
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| Template:Flagu | 6 August 1962 | Template:Main
Austria has an embassy in Kuala Lumpur,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and Malaysia has an embassy in Vienna.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Malaysia is one of Austria's most important trading partners in Southeast Asia.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2003, Austrian exports to Malaysia, covering a wide range of products such as machinery and components, especially electrical machinery and parts thereof, paper, paperboard, telecommunication equipment and medical and pharmaceutical products, declined by 10.8% to 82.6 million. Malaysian imports to Austria, consisting mainly of one product group, namely electronic and electrical goods, especially semiconductors, reduced by half to 236.4 million. In Kuala Lumpur, the Austrian Trade office offers support to Austrian and Malaysian companies to assist them in forging new partnerships. Austrian President Heinz Fischer made a state visit to Malaysia on 7–9 November 2010, visiting Kuala Lumpur and Malacca Town. |
| Template:Flagu | 5 March 1992 | Template:Main
|
| Template:Flagu | 1957 | Template:Main
Belgium has an embassy in Kuala Lumpur, and Malaysia has an embassy in Brussels. |
| Template:Flagu | 5 December 1992 | Template:Main
|
| Template:Flagu | 4 May 1992 | Template:Main
Croatia has an embassy in Kuala Lumpur,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and Malaysia has an embassy in Zagreb.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Template:Flagu | 16 September 1971 and 1 January 1993 | Template:Main
|
| Template:Flagu | 7 September 1958 | Template:Main
Denmark has an embassy in Kuala Lumpur, and Malaysia is represented in Denmark, through its embassy in Stockholm, Sweden.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Template:Flagu | 11 February 1992 and 4 November 1993 | See Foreign relations of Estonia
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| Template:Flagu | Template:Main
The relations started with the 1980 European Commission–ASEAN Agreement and were developed since the formation of European Economic Community (EEC) in 1957.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="meu">Template:Cite web</ref> In 2011, Malaysia is the European Union second largest trading partner in Southeast Asia after Singapore and the 23rd largest trading partner for the European Union in the world,<ref name="meu"/><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> while the European Union is Malaysia's 4th largest trading partner.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| Template:Flagu | 17 November 1972 | Template:Main
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| Template:Flagu | 31 August 1957 | Template:Main
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| Template:Flagu | 7 May 1993 | See Foreign relations of Georgia
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| Template:Flagu | 23 September 1957 | Template:Main
Germany has an embassy in Kuala Lumpur, and Malaysia has an embassy in Berlin. |
| Template:Flagu | 16 November 1959 | Template:Main
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| Template:Flagu | 27 July 2011 | Template:Main
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| Template:Flag | 29 December 1969 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 29 December 1969<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Main
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| Template:Flagu | 1957 | Template:Main
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| Template:Flagu | 23 March 2011 | Template:Main
Formal relations between the two countries first began in 2000, when Malaysia became the first Asian country to establish a liaison office in Kosovo.<ref>Template:Cite news Template:Dead link</ref> Kosovo unilaterally declared its independence from Serbia on 17 February 2008 and Malaysia recognised it on 30 October 2008.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Since that time, Malaysia has pledged assistance to Kosovo in several areas. |
| Template:Flagu | 12 June 1993 |
Latvia doesn't have any embassy in Malaysia.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> while Malaysian embassy in Helsinki is accredited to Latvia.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Template:Flagu | 9 March 1994 | Template:Main
Lithuania has an honorary consulate in Kuala Lumpur,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> while Malaysia embassy in Stockholm were also accredited to Lithuania. |
| Template:Flagu | 31 August 1957 | Template:Main
Netherlands has an embassy in Kuala Lumpur, and Malaysia has an embassy in The Hague. The Dutch established relations with the Sultanate of Johor in the early 17th century, and in 1641 they captured the Portuguese colony of Malacca (on the south-western coast of today's Peninsular Malaysia). With a long interruption during the Napoleonic Wars, the Dutch Malacca era lasted until 1824. In the 20th century, the Netherlands established diplomatic relations with Malaysia soon after the Asian state became independent. The erudite Dutch Sinologist and author Robert van Gulik (who was raised in the former Dutch East Indies himself) served as the ambassador of the Netherlands in Kuala Lumpur in the early 1960s. During his diplomatic service there he became closely acquainted with Malaysia's gibbons (he kept a few in his ambassadorial residence) and became sufficiently interested in this ape species to start the study of its role in ancient Chinese culture, the results of which he later published in his last book (Gibbon in China).<ref>Robert van Gulik, The gibbon in China. An essay in Chinese animal lore. E.J.Brill, Leiden, Holland. (1967)</ref> |
| Template:Flagu | 8 March 1968 | Template:Main
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| Template:Flagu | 21 June 1971 | Template:Main
Malaysia has an embassy in Warsaw,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and Poland has an embassy in Kuala Lumpur and a consulate in Kuching.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Template:Flagu | 22 March 1969 | Template:Main
Malaysia has an embassy in Bucharest.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Romania has an embassy in Kuala Lumpur.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Template:Flagu | 3 April 1967<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> (as Soviet Union) | Template:Main
Russia has an embassy in Kuala Lumpur,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and Malaysia has an embassy in Moscow.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Template:Flagu | 7 May 1967, severed diplomatic relations 12 August 1992, restored 23 January 2003 | See Foreign relations of Serbia
Entry to Malaysia was refused to all Serbian passport holders until 2007, unless they were in possession of a letter of approval from Malaysian Ministry of Home Affairs.<ref name="Malaysia">"Star Alliance Visa Information Template:Webarchive", Star Alliance. Retrieved 26 August 2007.</ref> During the time, citizens of Serbia and Montenegro were banned from participating in Malaysia My Second Home program.<ref name="MM2H">"Template:Cite web</ref> However, in August 2008, senior officials of Serbia and Malaysia held their first diplomatic meeting since 1991. Afterwards, Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremić said that establishing an embassy in Malaysia was a possibility, bilateral agreements between the two nations would be signed, and Malaysia has removed all visa restrictions for Serbian citizens. This meant that now only the citizens of Israel were banned from participating in Malaysia My Second Home program.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Currently, Malaysia has an embassy in Belgrade while Serbian embassy in Jakarta was also accredited to Malaysia.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Template:Flagu | 12 May 1967 | Template:Main
Malaysia has an embassy in Madrid,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and Spain has an embassy in Kuala Lumpur.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Spain established a diplomatic relations with Malaysia on 12 May 1967 with both the Malaysian and Spanish embassy were opened in 1985.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Template:Flagu | 1958 | Template:Main
Diplomatic relations were established in 1958.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Sweden has an embassy in Kuala Lumpur, and Malaysia has an embassy in Stockholm. As of 2009, 90 Swedish companies are present in Malaysia and about 450 Swedish citizens live in Malaysia.<ref name=malay>Template:Cite news</ref> |
| Template:Flagu | 10 September 1963 | Template:Main
Switzerland has an embassy in Kuala Lumpur,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and Malaysia has an embassy in Bern.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The diplomatic relations has been established since 1963.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Template:Flagu | 3 March 1992 | Template:Main |
| Template:Flagu | 31 August 1957 | Template:Main
Malaysia established diplomatic relations with the United Kingdom on 31 August 1957.
The UK governed the Malaysia from 1826 to 1942 and 1945 to 1957, when it achieved full independence. Both countries share common membership of the Commonwealth, CPTPP, the Five Power Defence Arrangements, and the World Trade Organization. Bilaterally the two countries have a Double Taxation Agreement,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and an Investment Agreement.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
Americas
[edit]| Country | Formal relations began | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Template:Flagu | 7 June 1967<ref name="rl"/> | Template:Main
Argentina has an embassy in Kuala Lumpur,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and Malaysia has an embassy in Buenos Aires.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Argentina established diplomatic relations with Malaysia on 7 June 1967.<ref name="rl">Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Template:Flagu | 11 February 2000 |
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| Template:Flagu | 1959 | Template:Main
Brazil has an embassy in Kuala Lumpur,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and Malaysia has an embassy in Brasília.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Template:Flagu | 1957<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> | Template:Main
Canada has a High Commission in Kuala Lumpur, and Malaysia has a High Commission in Ottawa. Both countries are full members of the Commonwealth of Nations. Canada's trade relationship with Malaysia includes commerce across several sectors.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Template:Flagu | 22 May 1979<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | Template:Main
The Chile–Malaysia relations is mainly based on trade. In 2009, the total trade between Chile and Malaysia is $336 million with the total Malaysian export to Chile were $16.8 million while the import with $148.7 million.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Template:Flag | 19 August 1987 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 19 August 1987<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Main
Both are the members of United Nations, Movement of Non-Aligned Cooperation Forum Asia-Latin America (FEALAC) and Pacific Economic Cooperation Council (PECC).
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| Template:Flagu | 6 February 1975<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite webTemplate:Dead link</ref> | Template:Main
Malaysia has an embassy in Havana, while Cuba has an embassy in Kuala Lumpur. |
| Template:Flagu | 19 January 2015 |
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| Template:Flagu | 1989 | Template:Main
Their relations covers on political, commercial, cultural and social activities. |
| Template:Flagu |
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| Template:Flagu | 26 April 1976 |
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| Template:Flagu | 28 November 1975 | Template:Further
In 2006, Prime Minister, Portia Simpson Miller and Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, have expressed satisfaction with the progress of bilateral relations between the two countries and have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening these relations through the exchange of visits and co-operation in the economic, technological, shipping, health and educational sectors, among other areas.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> |
| Template:Flagu | 27 March 1974<ref name="mmx"/> | Template:Main
Malaysia has an embassy in Mexico City,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and Mexico has an embassy in Kuala Lumpur.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Relations between the two countries was established on 27 March 1974.<ref name="mmx">Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Template:Flagu | 24 April 1986<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | Template:Main
Malaysia is one of the main destination for Peruvian exports with the total trade in 2012 records $235 million.<ref name="pr">Template:Cite web</ref> Peruvian exports to Malaysia total around $28 million while Malaysian exports with $207 million.<ref name="pr"/> In 1995, an agreement on mutual promotion and protection of investments has been signed between the two countries.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
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| Template:Flag | 31 August 1957 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 31 August 1957<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Main
Economic ties are robust. The United States is Malaysia's largest trading partner and Malaysia is the tenth-largest trading partner of the US Annual two-way trade amounts to $49 billion. The United States and Malaysia launched negotiations for a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) in June 2006. President Barack Obama visited Malaysia between 26 and 28 April 2014, as part of his four-nation Asia tour. This visit was the first visit by a sitting US president in almost 50 years since President Lyndon Johnson in 1966. Other top US government officials have made visits to Malaysia in the past, such as then Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in November 2010, Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel in August 2013, and Secretary of State John Kerry in October 2013. Malaysia has its embassy in Washington, DC with consulates in New York City, NY and Los Angeles, CA and a permanent mission to the United Nations in New York. The United States has its embassy in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. |
| Template:Flag | 18 December 1986 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 18 December 1986<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Main
Malaysia has an embassy in Caracas while Venezuela has an embassy in Kuala Lumpur. Both countries are full members of the Group of 77. |
Oceania
[edit]| Country | Formal relations began | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Template:Flagu | 31 August 1957 | Template:Main
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| Template:Flagu | 22 May 1972 | Template:Main
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| Template:Flag | 25 September 1957 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 25 September 1957<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Main
New Zealand has a High Commission in Kuala Lumpur, and Malaysia has a High Commission in Wellington. Both countries are full members of the Commonwealth of Nations. |
| Template:Flagu | 10 May 1983 | Template:Main
Malaysia has an honorary consul in Solomon Islands while Malaysia's High Commission in Port Moresby also accredited to the country,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and Solomon Islands has a high commission in Kuala Lumpur.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
Africa
[edit]| Country | Formal relations began | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Template:Flagu | 26 November 1964 | Template:Main
Algeria has an embassy in Kuala Lumpur,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and Malaysia has an embassy in Algiers.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Template:Flagu | 1965 | Template:Main
Ethiopia has a consulate-general in Kuala Lumpur,<ref name="history">Template:Cite web</ref> while Malaysia has no embassy in Ethiopia. Malaysia is one of the major trade partner and also one of the largest investors in Ethiopia.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Template:Flagu | 5 December 1966 | Template:Main
Ghana has a High Commission in Kuala Lumpur,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and Malaysia has a High Commission in Accra.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Template:Flagu | 1965 | Template:Main
Kenya has maintained a High Commission in Kuala Lumpur since in 1996. Malaysia opened a High Commission in Nairobi in 2005.<ref name="KenyaHigh.com">Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Template:Flagu | 9 November 1973 | Template:Main
Libya has an embassy in Kuala Lumpur,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and Malaysia has an embassy in Tripoli.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Relations are mainly in economic co-operation. |
| Template:Flagu | 4 November 1991 | Template:Main
Malaysia together with Malawi are both significant tea producers, and co-operate in tri-national (with India) discussions of market conditions and promotion of the product globally.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> |
| Template:Flagu | 13 August 1986<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | Template:Main
Mauritius has a High Commission in Kuala Lumpur, while Malaysia embassy in Harare, Zimbabwe also accredited to Mauritius. Both are members of Commonwealth of Nations. Cooperation between the two countries include cultural exchanges, trade in goods, financial assistance and capacity building in various sectors. |
| Template:Flagu | 1963 | Template:Main
Malaysia has an embassy in Rabat,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and Morocco has an embassy in Kuala Lumpur.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Template:Flagu | 1990 | Template:Main
Malaysia has a High Commission in Windhoek,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and Namibia has a high commission in Kuala Lumpur.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Both countries were once part of the British Empire and before Namibia achieved its independence, Malaysia has contributed to some operations in Namibia by sending a group of soldiers to help monitor the Namibia elections and peace process.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Today, the relations are much more focused in economic co-operation. |
| Template:Flagu | 5 March 1965 | Template:Main
The High Commissioner of Nigeria, Bello Shehu Ringim, speaking with the Yang Dipertua Dewan Negara, Abu Zahar Ujang, expresses the concern of Nigerian students being fooled by Malaysian private-owned universities and social problems. The Nigerian government are serious about the problems by its citizens and the negative perception of its students. Malaysia is committed to Nigeria's concern and will give solutions to the problem.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Template:Flag | 1 April 1977 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 April 1977<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Main
Malaysia has an embassy in Dakar,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and Senegal has an embassy in Kuala Lumpur.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Template:Flag | 1 May 1987 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 May 1987<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Main
Seychelles has a High Commission in Subang Jaya.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Template:Flag | 28 January 1991 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 28 January 1991<ref name="ReferenceB"/> |
| Template:Flagu | 8 November 1993 | Template:Main
Relations are good between Malaysia and South Africa, who view each other as close partners. Malaysia is the fourth largest new investor in South Africa, and the countries have exchanged High Commissioners.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Template:Flagu | 1973<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> | Template:Main
The stability of Sudan has enabled the country to take experiences from Malaysia in law legislation and investor-friendly policies, as claimed by Mahathir Mohammad, former prime minister of Malaysia who visits Khartoum in November 2012. At least seven Memorandum of Understandings have been made, related to Malaysian companies. The expected growth of bilateral trade between Malaysia and Sudan will have a big impact on the import of Sudanese beef.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In October 2021, Sudanese–Malaysia relations were adversely affected by the Sudanese transitional government's seizure of Malaysian state owned enterprise Petronas' assets and arrest of the company's country manager. In response, the Malaysian Government urged Sudan to honour the Bilateral Investment and Protection Treaty while Petronas submitted an arbitration request at the World Bank's International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID).<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> |
| Template:Flagu | Template:Main
Malaysia has a High Commission in Dar es Salaam, and Tanzania has a High Commission in Kuala Lumpur.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| Template:Flagu | Template:Main
Malaysian embassy in Dakar is accredited to The Gambia, while the Gambian embassy in Abu Dhabi is accredited to Malaysia. The relations are friendly warm.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| Template:Flagu | 29 November 1964 | Template:Main
Several agreements were signed since 1969 covering a lot of sectors, including the agreement on suppression of visa and the agreement on economic and technical co-operation which signed in 1994. Several other drafts also are currently under negotiations.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Template:Flagu | 1962 | Template:Main
Malaysia does not yet have a High Commission in Kampala,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> while Uganda has a consulate in Kuala Lumpur and Uganda's High Commission in India were also accredited to Malaysia.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
Malaysia and the Commonwealth of Nations
[edit]The Federation of Malaya became an independent native elective monarchy within the Commonwealth on 31 August 1957 with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong as head of state.
Malaya united with North Borneo (now Sabah), Sarawak, and Singapore to form Malaysia on 16 September 1963.
Singapore was expelled from Malaysia on 9 August 1965, and became an independent republic in the Commonwealth of Nations.
See also
[edit]- List of diplomatic missions in Malaysia
- List of diplomatic missions of Malaysia
- Visa requirements for Malaysian citizens
- List of ambassadors and high commissioners to Malaysia
- List of ambassadors and high commissioners of Malaysia
External links
[edit]References
[edit]Template:Foreign relations of the Commonwealth of Nations Template:Foreign relations of Malaysia Template:Malaysia topics Template:Asia topic