M'sia, Asean Nations Tried to Reach Compromise On South China Sea Issue: Foreign Ministry

KUALA LUMPUR, July 17 (Bernama) -- Malaysia together with some Asean member states tried very hard to work towards reaching a compromised language on the South China Sea issue at the 45th Asean Ministerial Meeting (AMM) and Related Meetings recently. According to a foreign ministry statement released Monday, member states were unable to reach a consensus, resulting in the non-issuance of a joint communique. "The ministry wishes to reiterate Malaysia's view that the failure to issue a joint communique will not weaken Asean's will and resolve to begin discussions with China in developing the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea towards ensuring peace and stability in the region," it said. The ministry said that Asean member states had agreed on the elements of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea and were ready to begin discussions with China on the matter. The meetings were held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia for five days from July 9. -- BERNAMA