KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia and New Zealand have reaffirmed their bilateral commitment on defence cooperation under the Five Powers Defence Arrangements (FPDA) and the Asean Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus).
According to a statement from the Defence Ministry, Senior Minister (Security) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and his New Zealand counterpart, Peeni Henare held a video conference call today, which underscored the importance of maintaining the “excellent” bilateral defence ties between both countries under the FPDA and the ADMM-Plus.
“Although challenged by the current Covid-19 pandemic, the two expressed their mutual commitment to the FPDA,” the statement read.
They also expressed their support on the resumption of active engagements in 2021 between the armed forces, including joint training and bilateral exercises.
The statement said that both ministers also discussed the need to strengthen cooperation on cybersecurity between the two armed forces.
Apart from that, both the ministers also updated each other on the current Covid-19 pandemic situation and the implementation of the Covid-19 vaccination programme in both countries.
Ismail Sabri also expressed his hope to meet Henare in person at the 11th FPDA Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur this year. – Bernama, April 13, 2021
