Malaysia, US Strengthen Defence Cooperation With New MoU, Renewed Agreements

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 31 (Bernama) -- Malaysia and the United States have solidified over 40 years of bilateral defence ties through the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Defence Cooperation, aimed at enhancing collaboration on regional peace, security and prosperity.

The agreement was reached during a bilateral meeting between Malaysia’s Defence Minister, Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, and the US Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) yesterday.

In a joint media statement today, both leaders also announced the renewal of an Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) and reaffirmed their commitment to finalising bilateral agreements on communications, information sharing and geospatial matters.

"The Secretary and Minister recognise the strength of defence cooperation between the United States and Malaysia as a fundamental pillar of the US-Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership," the statement added.

During the discussion, both ministers also reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining maritime security in the South China Sea, agreeing that it is a vital corridor where respect for sovereignty is imperative.

The statement also noted Mohamed Khaled's concerns over specific regional threats.

"The Minister noted that grey-zone tactics, such as hydrographic research conducted under the protection of foreign coast guard vessels, threaten sovereignty and are a clear provocation and threat," it said.

Both leaders reiterated the importance of communication and dialogue to prevent military miscalculation, while also pursuing modernisation and interoperability to ensure military readiness.

The statement also highlighted the breadth and depth of existing cooperation, including 14 bilateral and multilateral exercises conducted jointly by the two nations, with the recent joint long-range precision live fire of US HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) and Malaysian ASTROS systems in the Straits of Malacca cited as an example of this robust partnership.

It also noted that 300 Malaysian officials attend military training and professional development programmes in the US each year.

Secretary Hegseth also thanked Malaysia for its leadership as Chair of ASEAN and for its positive role in supporting President Donald Trump's efforts in mediating a ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia. In response, Mohamed Khaled welcomed the commitment of the US to support ASEAN observer teams comprised of ASEAN member security forces.

Both ministers looked forward to meeting again next year at the Pentagon in Washington, DC.

-- BERNAMA