KUALA LUMPUR: Australia’s key regional engagement activity, Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2022 (IPE22), has returned to Malaysia for a series of military activities to enhance interaction through humanitarian and disaster relief training, among other workshops, from Monday to Wednesday (Nov 7 to 9).
"IPE22 represents one of a multitude of long-standing bilateral and multilateral defence engagement activities that Australia and Malaysia regularly undertake.
"This includes over 50 years of shared contribution to the Five Power Defence Arrangements,” said Australia’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, Dr Justin Lee.
He said the visit of HMAS Adelaide and HMAS Anzac, as the centrepieces of IPE22, is also a powerful symbol of Australia’s deep commitment to the defence pillar of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
"These ships, and the capabilities contained within them, also demonstrate Australia’s support for an open, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific, based on international law and with Asean at its core, and the priority we give to strengthening partnerships with defence forces across South-East Asia,” he said in a statement sent by the High Commission here.
The highlight of this year’s activity will be a medical casualty training exercise on board the Adelaide in which Australian Defence Force and Malaysian Armed Forces crews will work together in a simulated medical emergency.
Last week, nine members from the Malaysian Armed Forces embarked on the Adelaide to integrate with the ship’s company and share expertise across a range of areas, including military medicine and combat casualty care, according to the statement.
Other activities conducted during the visit include: a defence industry showcase; a visit by the Royal Australian Navy Imam to the Malaysian Armed Forces Religious Corps; a Women, Peace and Security Roundtable with the Australian Ambassador for Women and Girls, Christine Clarke CSC; engagement with the Australian Border Force and Australian Federal Police on the smuggling of persons.
A discussion on topical maritime security issues with various Malaysian think tanks and policy specialists will also be held.
"Malaysia is one of Australia’s most important defence partners, and Indo-Pacific Endeavour is one way we can continue to strengthen this relationship,” said IPE22 commander Commodore Mal Wise.
"This activity is about bringing our people together to learn from each other while we build important military and whole-of-government partnerships that will assist in keeping our region open, inclusive and resilient.”
Beginning in late September, IPE22 has already visited 10 countries in the South-East Asia and North-East Indian Ocean region. – Bernama
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