KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and the United States have formalised a new defence cooperation agreement that is expected to strengthen bilateral ties and enhance regional security, says Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
He said the pact marked the first structured and formal framework of defence collaboration between both nations.
“Previously, our cooperation was carried out on an ad-hoc basis through joint exercises, officer exchanges, and participation in US support programmes to strengthen national defence capacity,” he told reporters after a bilateral meeting with US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Thursday (Oct 30), where the agreement was signed.
The meeting was held on the sidelines of the Asean Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and ADMM-Plus.
“With this formal agreement, we can now coordinate and implement activities in a more organised and effective manner, ensuring they meet Malaysia’s strategic needs,” Khaled said, adding that the agreement would typically be reviewed every five years.
The framework covers areas such as personnel exchanges, training programmes, and capability enhancement initiatives.
Khaled stressed that defence diplomacy remains an important pillar of Malaysia’s security strategy, complementing government spending on procurement and military readiness.
“Some may misunderstand this as Malaysia receiving aid or charity. That’s not the case. This is part of defence diplomacy — collaboration with other nations to enhance our own capabilities,” he said.
He also underscored the need for strong diplomatic channels with all partners to maintain peace and stability in the region.
“Asean continues to convey its message clearly — that the region must remain peaceful, secure, and free from any threats that could disrupt stability,” he said.
When asked about Malaysia’s decision to sign its first formal defence agreement with the US, Khaled said such collaborations are a normal part of international relations.
“We have numerous defence agreements with various countries. As a small nation, we recognise the importance of maintaining partnerships with international players to ensure regional balance,” he added.
