Opening remarks by ISIS Malaysia Chief Executive Herizal Hazri

Reflecting the essence of the theme “sustaining cooperation”, our session on the European Union’s shift to the Asia Pacific explores the prospect that a more proactive European engagement can balance the presence of other actors in the region, and whether the EU can temper possible conflict and competition. [...] On the topic of security, the session on nuclear rearmament examines the competition in developing defence capabilities across the Asia-Pacific. [...] The continued success of the APR over the last three decades is greatly attributed to the support given by successive Malaysian Prime Ministers and the government, as well as the region’s leaders. [...] I wish to thank the distinguished instigators and speakers for their readiness to share with us their time, knowledge, and expertise and for their contribution towards enhancing the richness of the discussions during this conference. [...] I would also like to express our heartfelt gratitude to our partners, who have been with us through thick and thin – the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Embassy of Japan in Malaysia and Astro Awani.