PUTRAJAYA, Jan 19 — Malaysia is to intensify joint military exercises and training with the United States in a bid to strengthen military ties and cooperation.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said the cooperation was vital to build up confidence for defence in the Asia Pacific region, besides giving fresh experience and training to the military personnel of the two countries.
Hishammuddin said that during his meeting with US Secretary of Defence Chuck Hagel in the Pentagon yesterday, the latter commended the role played by Malaysia in Southeast Asia.
“He also called on Asean member countries to close ranks and strengthen cooperation to ensure stability in the region,” the minister said in a statement today.
He said they also discussed various issues of international defence, including that involving Afghanistan and North Korea, and the role of Asean in tackling regional security issues.
It was Hishammuddin’s maiden visit to the United States after his appointment as the defence minister.
During the visit, Hishammuddin also had a meeting with a senator from Rhode Island, Jack Reed, who is a senior member in the US Military Service Committee.
They discussed regional security issues and economic developments that affected the stability of other countries.
Hishammuddin also met with US Deputy Secretary of State William Joseph Burns and discussed, among others, how action taken by certain countries could create regional instability.
The minister also met with Malaysians in Washington in an event organised by the Malaysian embassy there. — Bernama
