Malaysia and Washington are looking to expand its defence collaboration in various areas including regional and international security, trading, military technologies and exchanging information, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein.
The two countries also reaffirmed their commitment to continue conducting training for humanitarian efforts, disaster relief and peacekeeping, and counter trans-national threats, piracy as well as terrorism, he said after meeting US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel here yesterday.
“The relationship between the two countries is strong, but with the visit, we believe that it has added value.
“With the strategic and unfolding landscape, it is important for us to have friends that appreciate our concern, with the ability to cooperate and share with us at many levels,” he told a joint press conference at the “US–South East Asia Ties” programme organised by the Malaysian Institute of Defence and Security (Midas), here yesterday.
Hagel said the United States would also conduct more than 75 activities this year with the armed forces, including military exchanges and visits, designed to boost capabilities and help the armed forces become more professional and flexible.
“Malaysia has always been a good friend and has played an impressive role in contributing towards regional and global security,” he said. – thestar.com