JOHOR BARU: Malaysia’s peacekeeping troops will remain under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) mission until its mandate expires later this year, says the Foreign Minister.
Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan (pic) said discussions had been held at the UN on the security situation involving the Malaysian Battalion (Malbatt), with troop-contributing countries agreeing to maintain their contingents until the current mandate ends in November.
“There are only a few months remaining, but any decision will also depend on the Defence Ministry. Whatever decision it makes will be tabled to the Cabinet and if approved, the Foreign Ministry will take the necessary follow-up action,” he said after meeting Tiram voters here yesterday.
He said the safety of Malaysian personnel remained the government’s top priority.
“At the moment, our Malbatt personnel are stationed behind the frontline, not at the border. For now, there is no longer any need for our personnel to conduct patrols.
“So, they have been instructed to remain in their bunkers and camps because their safety is our main concern,” he said.
Mohamad also said Malaysia will host Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul this week for the annual Malaysia-Thailand leaders’ dialogue to focus on outstanding bilateral issues on trade, logistics and border management.
Mohamad said both countries will also discuss the remaining demarcation of their land border, adding that strengthening border security remained a priority to curb smuggling activities through illegal routes.
He said various agencies are deployed at the border, with efforts under way to improve coordination and boost security.
It was reported that Anutin is expected to be in Malaysia on Thursday and Friday for talks with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
