SINGAPORE: Malaysia along with Singapore and 15 other countries, on Saturday launched the Guiding Principles for Underwater Infrastructure Defence Exchanges (Guide), a framework aimed at strengthening the security of critical underwater infrastructure (CUI).
Launched on the sidelines of the 23rd Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD), the initiative brings together countries with shared interests in safeguarding CUI.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said Guide provides a framework of shared principles that creates opportunities for closer cooperation among participating countries in efforts to enhance the security of
CUI, which is increasingly vital to communications, trade and global stability.
“Malaysia’s participation reflects the country’s commitment to continue playing a constructive role in strengthening defence cooperation and addressing security challenges that transcend regional and national borders,” Mohd. Khaled told Bernama.
Meanwhile, Singapore Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing said the world’s ocean floors now host critical underwater infrastructure that connects energy and telecommunications networks, adding that disruption to one part of the system could affect the entire network.
“That is why it gives us great joy to see so many countries — from Europe to the Middle East, Southeast Asia and the Asia-Pacific — coming together,” he said in a statement.
Guide is also endorsed by Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Estonia, Finland, France, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the Philippines, Qatar, Sweden, Thailand and the United Kingdom.
