Laos, Malaysia further strengthen defence ties

Laos and Malaysia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to increase their interactions and initiate deeper defence cooperation in ways that will serve the common interests of the two countries.
According to Malaysia’s Ministry of Defence, the MOU was signed during an official visit by Lao Minister of National Defence, General Chansamone Chanyalath, from March 21-23. The visit was his first to Malaysia since he took office in April 2016.
As part of his visit, General Chansamone met Malaysia’s Minister of Defence, Tuan Haji Mohamad bin Sabu.
Upon his arrival at the Ministry of Defence in Malaysia, General Chansamone was accorded a Guard of Honour comprising personnel from the First Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment (RAMD), led by Major Norshahidin bin Long with three officers and 103 other ranks, and accompanied by the RAMD Centre Band led by Major Mohd Izham bin Ahmad Rashidi with one officer and 39 other ranks.
During their meeting, the Lao and Malaysian defence ministers acknowledged the existing friendly relations between the two countries. Capitalising on the excellent spirit of cordiality, mutual respect and understanding, they emphasised that the official visit was a testament of their commitment to promoting bilateral defence cooperation.
General Chansamone also visited the National Defence University of Malaysia (NDUM), where he was briefed by the Vice Chancellor, Lt Gen Dato Haji Abdul Halim bin Haji Jalal, on NDUM’s role as a premier defence university for leadership and professional development, knowledge dissemination, application of defence science and technology, and policy research.
General Chansamone also visited BHIC Aero Services, a subsidiary of the Boustead Heavy Industries Corporation (BHIC).
Defence cooperation between Laos and Malaysia is gradually but assuredly progressing, underpinned by the close working relationship between the two sides as members of the Asean Defence Ministers Meeting (ADMM).
Their interaction at the ADMM-level has ensured a solid platform for both sides to contribute to continued peace, stability and security in Southeast Asia. It is hoped the defence relations between the two countries will continue to strengthen and expand in future, officials said.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update April 3, 2019)