Regional Security Cooperation and Defence Ties in Focus
ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Retreat
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin received courtesy visits from his counterparts from Indonesia, Laos, and Singapore on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Retreat (ADMM) in Batu Ferringhi, where they discussed regional security cooperation and strategic defence ties.
Indonesia and Malaysia Strengthen Defence Ties
Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and Laotian Defence Minister Khamlieng Outhakaisone met with Mohamed Khaled, serving as the first platform for both defence ministers to exchange views with their counterparts on regional security challenges.
Enhancing Defence Relations
During the meeting with Sjafrie, Malaysia and Indonesia reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing existing defence ties, emphasizing ASEAN centrality, and discussing the defence industries of both nations. According to a statement from the Defence Ministry, the 25-minute discussion saw both countries agreeing to further strengthen their defence relations.
Establishing a Committee for Defence Cooperation
"Previously, both countries signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on defence cooperation in 2022. During today’s meeting, Malaysia proposed the establishment of a committee to implement the agreements outlined in the MoU," said the statement. "Indonesia had no objections to this proposal, and bilateral cooperation can be further enhanced through other initiatives such as border community collaboration."
MoU on Defence Cooperation
Laos and Malaysia Strengthen Commitments
Mohamed Khaled’s courtesy meeting with Khamlieng Outhakaisone focused on strengthening commitments for continued collaboration in various sectors. During the 20-minute discussion, Khamlieng Outhakaisone expressed appreciation for Malaysia’s capacity-building efforts across multiple areas.
Singapore and Malaysia Discuss Regional Security
In their talks, Mohamed Khaled and Singapore Defence Minister Dr Ng Eng Hen discussed regional and global security connectivity and the importance of international defence cooperation. Emphasis was also placed on the need for a unified strategy to address common security challenges.
ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Retreat
More than 150 delegates from ASEAN member states, and also Timor-Leste and the ASEAN Secretariat attended the retreat, which aligns with Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2025 theme of ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’.
Conclusion
The ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Retreat provided a platform for defence ministers to strengthen regional security cooperation and defence ties, highlighting the importance of international defence cooperation and the need for a unified strategy to address common security challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the purpose of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Retreat?
The ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Retreat is a platform for defence ministers to discuss regional security cooperation and defence ties. - Who attended the retreat?
More than 150 delegates from ASEAN member states, Timor-Leste, and the ASEAN Secretariat attended the retreat. - What were the main topics discussed during the retreat?
Regional security cooperation, defence ties, and the importance of international defence cooperation were the main topics discussed during the retreat.