Malaysia, Australia step up cooperation in counterterrorism

Australian Defence Minister Marise Payne signs the visitor book at Wisma Perwira as Defence Minister Mohammad Sabu looks on (Photo: www.thesundaily.my)

Kuala Lumpur (VNA) – Malaysian Minister of Defence Mohamad Sabu and his Australian counterpart Marise Payne on June 25 had a closed-door meeting within the inaugural Malaysia-Australia High Level Committee on Defence Cooperation (HLC) meeting at Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Base in Butterworth.

In a joint statement issued by the Malaysia-Australia HLC, both ministers were updated on the progress of the cooperation under the Malaysia-Australia Joint Defence Programme which affirmed the importance of working together to strengthen the bilateral defence relationship and meet the challenges of the rapidly evolving regional security environment.

They also reiterated the commitment to work together, bilaterally and multilaterally, to step up defence cooperation to counter terrorism and identify ways to strengthen cooperation in the fight against terrorism.

Both ministers agreed that the threat of terrorism is a key regional concern for both nations, including the return of foreign terrorist fighters from overseas conflicts, the statement said.

They unequivocally condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and expressed their condolences to the victims of terrorism across the region, it said.

According to the statement, the ministers also affirmed their commitment to the Five Power Defence Agreement (FPDA) as an integral part of the region’s security architecture.

The ministers also noted that the 10th FPDA Defence Ministers’ Meeting agreed to continually strengthen counter terrorism activities and enhance the operational value of the exercises including incorporating newer capabilities for the mutual benefit of all member nations.-VNA