Working with Australia to beef up security ties
BUTTERWORTH: Malaysia and Australia will continue to strengthen and enhance existing close bilateral cooperation on security matters, especially over terrorist threats in the region.
The matter was discussed during the inaugural Malaysia - Australia High Level Committee on Defence Cooperation (HLC) meeting at the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) base here.
The meeting was attended by Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu and his Australian counterpart, Marise Payne.
They were updated on the progress of the cooperation under the Malaysia-Australia Joint Defence Programme which affirmed the importance of working together in strengthening bilateral defence of both nations.
“Both ministers agreed that the threat of terrorism is a key regional concern, including the return of foreign terrorist fighters from overseas conflicts.
“They also reiterated the commitment to work together bilaterally and multilaterally to enhance the defence cooperation to counter terrorism and identify ways to strengthen counter terrorism cooperation between both nations and acknowledge the Perth Meeting as an important forum for this undertaking,” said a statement.
The meeting was co-chaired by Mohamad and Payne during the latter’s official visit to RMAF.
Also present were Defense Forces chief General Tan Sri Zulkifli Zainal Abidin and RMAF chief General Tan Sri Affendi Buang.
The statement further stated that both ministers affirmed their commitment to the Five Power Defence Agreement as an integral part of the region’s security architecture.
The inaugural HLC occurred during the 60th anniversary celebration of Australia presence at the RMAF base in Butterworth. – by Imran Hilmy