Malaysia, UAE to boost defence cooperation, says Hishammuddin

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have agreed to boost both countries’ cooperation, especially in defence, says Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.

The Defence Minister who is on an official visit to UAE said the cooperation includes sharing Malaysia and UAE’s experience and expertise for the safety of the rakyat.

Hishammuddin met UAE president Sheikh Mohamed Zayed Al Nahyan, who is also the Ruler of Abu Dhabi and the Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, at Qasr Al Shati Palace.

“We take the opportunity to express our appreciation for the commitment of our respective governments to ensure that Malaysia-UAE relations remain beneficial and can be proud of,” he said in a statement on Tuesday (Sept 20).

Both leaders exchanged views on several regional and international issues and discussed the need to improve understanding based on the values of unity and tolerance, especially through the setting up of the Sheikh Zayed Chair at the Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) in synthesis with the Tun Hussein Onn Chair.

“We believe that the holders of these two Chairs should work together to promote unity and capability, especially by sharing the values of Sheikh Zayed and Tun Hussein Onn.

“This effort is important as harmony, tolerance and unity are the basis of a country’s success,” Hishammuddin said.

He also met UAE Minister of State for Defence Affairs Mohammed Ahmed Al Bowardi at the Defence Ministry headquarters where he also received the Guard of Honour from all three branches of the UAE Armed Forces.

The fruitful meeting leads to several important agreements.

“(We agree) to conduct joint bilateral training between the Malaysian Armed Forces and the UAE Armed Forces.”

He added that this training will focus on land areas and involve the Malaysian and UAE armies.

It also includes increasing the exchange and training of military officers between the two armed forces and military-to-military engagement at the highest level.

“This matter was also agreed upon by the Commander and Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces, Leftenan General Hamad Mohammed Thani Al-Rumaithi.”

He also said both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation related to the defence industry, especially in regards to Malaysia’s National Defence and Security Industry Policy.

Hishammuddin also extended an invitation to Mohammed Ahmed to attend the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (Lima), which will be held on May 23 until 27, next year.