Kuala lumpur: Canada is aiming to bolster its defence ties with Malaysia by expanding military training and enhancing cooperation in the defence industry, as stated by Lt-Gen Derek Macaulay, Canada's Senior Military Representative in the Indo-Pacific (SMR-IP).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, a Defence Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that has been under negotiation since 2024 is on track to be signed next year. This MoU is anticipated to lay the groundwork for more comprehensive collaboration between the two nations, allowing both countries to explore new opportunities and to benefit from mutual learning and sharing.
Lt-Gen Macaulay, speaking at the 37th Annual International Military Law and Operations Conference, emphasized the significance of the MoU in complementing nearly seven decades of bilateral relations. He highlighted that defence has been a cornerstone of Malaysia-Canada relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1957, with the 70th anniversary of these relations set to be celebrated next year.
Military education remains a vital aspect of this cooperation, with the Military Training and Cooperation Programme, initiated in 1966, having trained over 750 Malaysian officers in various disciplines, including language training, professional military education, and Women, Peace and Security (WPS).
Lt-Gen Macaulay noted that Exercise Mantis, focused on chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats, has served as a crucial training platform for both countries since 2014.
On the front of defence industry collaboration, Canada's Industrial Defence Strategy, launched in February, alongside Malaysia's Defence Industry Policy (MDIP) introduced in January, provides avenues for both nations to strengthen ties in this sector. Canadian companies have expressed growing interest in Malaysian defence exhibitions, such as the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA), and are already operating in Malaysia, paving the way for further ventures.
Lt-Gen Macaulay underscored Canada's commitment to a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific, with a focus on respecting international law, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), ASEAN centrality, and dialogue for dispute resolution.
The newly established SMR-IP position aims to build reliable partnerships in the Indo-Pacific, reflecting Canada's dedication to engaging strategically with partners in the region and signaling the country's intent to strengthen its partnerships.
Lt-Gen Macaulay, with over 35 years of service in the Canadian Armed Forces, shared his personal connection to Malaysia, recalling his service alongside Malaysian troops during a United Nations mission in 1994 as a young captain.