Kuala Lumpur: ASEAN must bolster its unity and regional cooperation to address both traditional and non-traditional security threats that no single nation can tackle alone, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. Delivering his opening remarks at the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) Retreat here today, he stressed that in an era of increasingly complex security challenges that transcend national borders, ASEAN's unity and robust regional cooperation are more crucial than ever. According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohamed Khaled emphasized that the region faces security threats that require a collective response. He highlighted Malaysia's commitment as this year's ADMM chair to advance key defence priorities, urging ASEAN to enhance preparedness and cooperation against non-state actors and biosecurity risks. He pointed out that illegal activities at international borders pose significant non-traditional security threats to ASEAN, necessitating a unified strategic approach. Mohamed Khaled also called for ASEAN to strengthen its defence against biological warfare by integrating health and medicine into its policies. He noted that pandemics and biological threats, such as emerging infectious diseases, pose serious security risks. Additionally, he urged ASEAN to responsibly harness Artificial Intelligence in defence and collaborate to protect regional waters from hybrid threats, emphasizing the need for enhanced Search and Rescue (SAR) and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) initiatives. As Malaysia assumes the chairmanship of ADMM and ADMM-Plus, Mohamed Khaled introduced the theme 'ASEAN Unity for Security and Prosperity', underscoring the importance of security for economic growth and stability. He stated that over 150 delegates from ASEAN member states and the ASEAN Secretariat are expected to attend the retreat, which aligns with Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship 2025 theme of Inclusivity and Sustainability. Malaysia will host over 300 ASEAN-related meetings throughout the year, r eflecting its commitment to regional cooperation and security.