Malaysia Appreciates Canada’s Role In ADMM-Plus - Mohamed Khaled

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 16 (Bernama) -- Malaysia appreciates the role played by Canada as an observer in the Expert Working Group (EWG) under the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM)-Plus, recognising its contribution to strengthening regional defence cooperation.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said Malaysia has always welcomed Canada, positioning Malaysia as a key gateway to ASEAN in line with Canada’s new focus on the Asia-Pacific, an increasingly important and strategic region in terms of economy, trade and security.

“Malaysia sees Canada as a potential strategic partner in the development of the local defence industry, in line with efforts to build a more sustainable and competitive national defence capability.

“Hopefully, good relations can be further strengthened for the benefit of both countries,” he said in a post on his Facebook page here today.

Earlier, Mohamed Khaled received a courtesy call from Canadian High Commissioner to Malaysia Jodi Rae Robinson at Wisma Pertahanan here, which he said was her first visit since assuming the post.

“The meeting also served to reaffirm the commitment of both countries to strengthening bilateral relations, especially through defence cooperation currently being negotiated via a Memorandum of Understanding,” he said.

--BERNAMA