PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- Cross-border cooperation among members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is vital in preserving regional peace and security, Malaysian Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said on Tuesday.

It is particularly important for ASEAN to overcome existing and emerging security challenges, including transnational crime threats, Saifuddin said in his keynote address at the Asia International Security Summit and Expo 2025 (AISSE 2025).

"As for ASEAN partners, the role of national cooperation and trust building must be taken to the next level... ASEAN should remain cohesive, responsive, and relevant in addressing regional peace and security challenges and play a central role in shaping the evolving regional architecture," he said.

He also emphasized that ASEAN must work together to make this region safe, free, and independent of all forms of security threats, including extremism and terrorism.

Hosted by the Malaysian Home Ministry and the Royal Malaysia Police, AISSE 2025 aims to foster international collaboration, bridging borders for a safer world through shared intelligence, joint training initiatives, and strategies to address transnational security challenges. ■