Reduce tension over South China Sea dispute, urges Najib

Malaysia today stressed the importance for all parties involved in the territorial disputes in the South China Sea to reduce tension in seeking solutions to the disputes.

Its Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the solutions should be achieved through negotiations and creating a conducive environment.

Speaking to reporters after attending the 24th Asean Summit here, Najib said the issue of tensions over the South China Sea dispute was discussed in depth by all 10 member states of Asean at the summit which ended on Sunday.

"The spirit and principles of international law are the foundation for us in seeking solutions to the dispute," he said.

In this regard, Najib said it was important to translate the Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea into terms that would be acceptable to all parties.

He added that Asean would continue to push for full operationalisation of the COC by next year.

On another note, Najib said the Asean leaders, during the summit's plenary session, expressed their sympathy for Malaysia over the MH370 tragedy.

He said the Asean countries also promised to continue assisting Malaysia in searching for the aircraft, missing since March 8.