Malaysia and France are concluding a new defence agreement to expand strategic ties, boost local industry and integrate into global defence supply chains.
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and France are in the final phase of concluding a new agreement to expand bilateral defence cooperation.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the document will strengthen strategic ties to ensure regional stability and security.
He stated the matter was discussed during a courtesy call by the new French Ambassador to Malaysia, Marc Abensour.
“The meeting also opened avenues to enhance strategic cooperation, particularly in the development of the local defence industry,” Mohamed Khaled said in a Facebook post.
He added that it aims to explore Malaysia’s potential as part of the global supply chain network for defence components and technologies.
This aligns with the strengths and expertise of the French defence industry.
Mohamed Khaled noted that Malaysia-France defence cooperation began with an agreement signed in 1993.
He also highlighted France’s constructive role as an observer in the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus.
France participates actively in various Expert Working Groups with ASEAN member states.
Ambassador Abensour began his official duties in Kuala Lumpur in January.
The new French Defence Attaché to Malaysia, Col Stefan Stefanic, was also present at the meeting.
