PETALING JAYA: Malaysia and Vietnam have agreed to strengthen defence cooperation across a range of strategic areas, including artificial intelligence (AI), intelligence sharing, bilateral military training and submarine rescue operations, as both countries seek to enhance their preparedness against evolving regional security challenges.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the matters were discussed during a bilateral meeting with Vietnamese Defence Minister Gen Phan Van Giang in conjunction with his two-day official visit to the country.
He said both sides also explored ways to further strengthen Malaysia-Vietnam defence ties to ensure the relationship continues to grow in a more strategic, substantive and sustainable manner.
"Various areas of cooperation were discussed, including bilateral military training, intelligence sharing, maritime domain awareness, submarine rescue operations, AI, the defence industry, as well as efforts to address emerging security challenges such as grey zone activities.
"I also proposed strengthening the cooperation mechanism through a High-Level Committee to ensure that every initiative is better coordinated and implemented more effectively," he said in a statement on Thursday (Aug 6).
Mohamed Khaled said the two ministers also exchanged views on regional strategic developments, including the South China Sea.
He said Malaysia reaffirmed that regional peace and stability must continue to be preserved through dialogue, diplomacy and international law, while supporting the conclusion of an effective and meaningful Code of Conduct (COC).
"Malaysia also stressed that Asean must continue to uphold its unity, strategic autonomy and central role in maintaining regional peace and stability," he said.
He said he appreciated Gen Phan's positive response to the proposals put forward by Malaysia, as well as Vietnam's commitment to further strengthening defence cooperation between the two countries.
"I am confident that this shared commitment will further strengthen Malaysia-Vietnam defence ties while contributing to the peace, stability and prosperity of Asean," he said.
