Malaysia and Vietnam pledge stronger defence ties, expanding cooperation in maritime security, technology and the defence industry
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and Vietnam are committed to strengthening their defence partnership, including by expanding cooperation in maritime security, capability development, technology and the defence industry.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the matter was among the topics discussed during his meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng in conjunction with his official visit to Vietnam.
He said Malaysia enjoyed close defence ties with Vietnam, which it regarded as a trusted and reliable partner.
“Both countries also share similar strategic views and uphold ASEAN principles, with dialogue and diplomacy serving as the foundation for maintaining regional peace and stability,” he said in a Facebook post today.
Mohamed Khaled said the meeting also covered current defence challenges, such as great power competition, grey zone activities, cyber threats, artificial intelligence (AI), cognitive warfare and disruptions to supply chains.
He said that amid an increasingly complex security environment, ASEAN must continue to enhance collective regional resilience through stronger cooperation.
According to him, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Defence Cooperation 2023 would continue to serve as a roadmap for strengthening Malaysia-Vietnam defence relations towards a more strategic partnership.
“Cooperation in the maritime sector, capability development, technology and the defence industry will also be expanded, in line with the commitment of both countries to continue strengthening peace, stability and prosperity in the region,” he said.
