BEIRUT: Malaysia and Lebanon have agreed to further strengthen bilateral defence cooperation, including exploring a proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on defence cooperation and expanding training opportunities through the Malaysian Defence Cooperation Programme (MDCP).
The proposal was discussed during a bilateral meeting between Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin and Lebanese Defence Minister H.E. Major General Michel Menassa at the Lebanese Ministry of Defence during Mohamed Khaled’s official visit to Lebanon.
Mohamed Khaled said Lebanon was among Malaysia’s earliest partners in West Asia, adding that the longstanding relationship should continue to be strengthened even after the conclusion of Malaysia’s MALBATT deployment under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
He said the proposed defence cooperation MoU and training opportunities under the MDCP had received a positive response from the Lebanese side.
“I am confident that defence cooperation between the two countries can continue to be enhanced in areas that provide benefits to both Malaysia and Lebanon,” he said.
The discussions assume added significance as Malaysia prepares to conclude its nearly two-decade peacekeeping presence in Lebanon through MALBATT.
Mohamed Khaled also met Malaysian Ambassador to Lebanon Anwar Udzir at the Embassy of Malaysia in Beirut to discuss efforts to maintain and strengthen bilateral relations, particularly defence ties, after the conclusion of the MALBATT mission.
“Although the MALBATT mission here will end soon, defence relations need to continue to be strengthened, including through the role of the Embassy for the benefit of both countries,” he said.
As part of the visit, Mohamed Khaled inspected UNP 2-1 at Marakah Camp in southern Lebanon, where MALBATT 850-13 is based, and was briefed on the living conditions of Malaysian personnel and the facilities supporting their deployment.
MALBATT 850-13 is Malaysia’s final contingent under UNIFIL, marking the end of almost two decades of Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) participation in the UN peacekeeping mission since 2007.
“Since 2007, the presence of the Malaysian Armed Forces in Lebanon under UNIFIL has reflected Malaysia’s commitment to contributing to international peace and stability,” Mohamed Khaled said.
As part of the transition following the conclusion of the MALBATT mission, Malaysian military assets will be systematically managed through repatriation to Malaysia, handover to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), or disposal in accordance with established procedures.
Under this arrangement, a total of 292 MAF assets deployed through MALBATT, with an estimated value of US$10 million, have been identified for handover to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF). The handover will be carried out in stages and is expected to be completed by January 2027.
The assets comprise vehicles and various equipment used in support of MALBATT’s operations, while other assets will either be repatriated to Malaysia or disposed of in Lebanon.
Mohamed Khaled said the handover was carried out with consideration for the potential benefits to the LAF and local communities, particularly in supporting welfare, humanitarian assistance and peace and security.
The symbolic handover at Marakah Camp was witnessed by Mohamed Khaled, with the assets being transferred through MALBATT to the LAF as Malaysia begins the transition out of its long-running UNIFIL deployment.
Support extended to Lebanese Civil Defense
Malaysia also extended humanitarian and operational support to Lebanon through the handover of medical equipment and fire extinguishers from MALBATT to the Lebanese Civil Defense.
The contribution was received by the Director General of Civil Defense, Brigadier General Imad Khreich.
Mohamed Khaled said the contribution formed part of Malaysia’s efforts to support welfare, humanitarian assistance and peace in Lebanon.
The handover adds a humanitarian dimension to Malaysia’s longstanding presence in the country, with MALBATT’s role extending beyond its peacekeeping responsibilities to engagement with local communities and Lebanese institutions.
Malaysia and Lebanon established diplomatic relations in the 1960s, with bilateral ties developing across various areas, including defence.
With MALBATT’s UNIFIL deployment approaching its conclusion, the latest high-level engagements signal Malaysia’s intention to maintain defence-to-defence relations with Lebanon through new avenues of cooperation, including the proposed defence MoU and MDCP training opportunities.
The Malaysian delegation during the visit comprised Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin; Malaysian Ambassador to Lebanon Anwar Udzir; Deputy Secretary General of the Ministry of Defence Malaysia Datuk Mohd Yani Daud; and Commander of Joint Forces Lieutenant General Datuk Sri Tengku Muhammad Fauzi Tengku Ibrahim.
