KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and South Africa have reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing defence cooperation.
This includes amending the 1996 Memorandum of Understanding and reactivating the Defence Committee meeting.
The DEFCOM meeting was last convened in Kuala Lumpur in 2005.
South Africa’s Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga paid a courtesy call on Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin at Wisma Pertahanan.
The meeting was held in conjunction with the 47th ASEAN Summit.
Mohamed Khaled stated the meeting underscored continued close relations between both nations in defence.
This follows recent bilateral discussions between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and South African President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa on October 25 in Putrajaya.
Both sides agreed to finalise amendments to the 1996 MoU through a new protocol.
The protocol will be signed in Pretoria.
The meeting also agreed to broaden cooperation in areas such as military engagement and joint training.
Malaysia and South Africa will explore opportunities in defence science, technology and industry.
This includes exploring a Government-to-Government approach for military asset procurement.
Mohamed Khaled emphasised Malaysia’s commitment to strengthening international defence partnerships.
These partnerships are anchored in peace, trust and mutual benefit.
This commitment aligns with the spirit of ASEAN 2025. – Bernama
