Malaysia's Defence Minister, Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, expressed optimism that the long-standing defence relations between Malaysia and Germany will continue to grow stronger in the years to come. This statement was made during his recent visit to two German naval vessels, the frigate FGS Baden-Württemberg and the support ship FGS Frankfurt am Main, which were docked at the Port Klang Cruise Terminal in Malaysia.
During the visit, Khaled highlighted the robust defence cooperation between the two nations, which has been ongoing for many years. He noted that Germany’s decision to make Malaysia a key stop in their naval tour reflects the deep trust and mutual respect between the two countries. The Defence Minister emphasized Malaysia's appreciation for Germany’s commitment to strengthening their defence ties and expressed hope that this cooperation would be further expanded in the future.
He also mentioned that this port call provides an excellent opportunity for both the Royal Malaysian Navy and the German Navy to deepen their collaboration. According to Khaled, maritime cooperation is crucial, but he believes that the defence relationship between Malaysia and Germany is not confined to naval affairs alone. He took the opportunity to express his gratitude to Germany for including Malaysia in the upcoming 2024 Asia Pacific Tour of the German Air Force. Khaled viewed this as another significant gesture of goodwill that highlights the broad scope of bilateral defence cooperation, encompassing both land, sea, and air defence strategies.
Joining Khaled during this important visit were Ministry of Defence Secretary-General Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali and the Chief of Navy, Admiral Datuk Zulhelmy Ithnain, both of whom are key figures in Malaysia’s defence structure. Their presence underscores the significance of the German naval visit and reflects the high level of interest from Malaysia in fostering closer ties with Germany.
Khaled also shared his optimism for the future of this partnership through his official social media channels, where he highlighted the importance of German participation in future Malaysian defence initiatives. He expressed hope that more German companies will be involved in the prestigious Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA), an event that plays a pivotal role in showcasing cutting edge military technology and fostering defence collaborations. Germany's involvement in LIMA would not only enhance cooperation but also provide a platform for further technology exchange and partnerships between both nations.
In addition, Khaled mentioned the Enable and Enhance (E&E) initiative as another avenue for expanding defence relations between Malaysia and Germany. This initiative, slated to be a key focus in 2024, seeks to boost the capabilities of the Royal Malaysian Navy and Armed Forces by leveraging advanced technologies and expertise from Germany.
Overall, Khaled’s visit to the German Navy ships and his remarks signal Malaysia's commitment to continuing and enhancing its defence ties with Germany, not only in maritime operations but across a broad spectrum of defence activities. The prospects for future collaboration appear promising, as both nations look forward to strengthening their strategic partnership in the coming years.
Source: Khaled: Malaysia, Germany eye stronger defence relations beyond maritime cooperation
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