Bilateral and Multilateral Co-operation
Malaysia has founded friendly relations with the majority of countries in the world. Two areas of focus are relations with dominant world powers and with local countries within the ASEAN region – especially its neighbour Singapore. The aim of these relationships is to encourage international co-operation, strengthen the socio-economic development of Malaysia, and strengthen the public relations image of Malaysia abroad. In regards to multinational relations, Malaysia is a dedicated member of the United Nations and of ASEAN, as it furthers to strengthen its position in international diplomacy. Bilateral organisations that have been operating in the country include Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). JICA provides technical co-operation to Malaysia through training and scholarship programmes. USAID provided disaster assistance to Malaysia during the flooding of 2006, which affected the southern states of Johor and Pahang. Malaysia is a member of the Commonwealth, the UN, the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), and the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).