Beirut:Malaysia and Lebanon have reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing defence cooperation as Malaysia prepares to conclude its nearly two-decade deployment of the Malaysian Battalion (MALBATT) under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the commitment was expressed during bilateral talks between Malaysia's Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin and his Lebanese counterpart, Major General Michel Menassa. The talks took place during Mohamed Khaled's official visit to Lebanon, which began on Tuesday.

The discussions included a proposed memorandum of understanding on defence cooperation and continuing training opportunities through the Malaysian Defence Cooperation Programme (MDCP). These initiatives were positively received by Lebanon. Mohamed Khaled also participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at Lebanon's Ministry of National Defence and visited the Malaysian Embassy in Beirut.

At the embassy, Mohamed Khaled witnessed the symbolic handover of medical equipment and fire extinguishers from MALBATT to the Lebanese Civil Defense. He also inaugurated a mini-gym donated by MALBATT for embassy personnel.

The withdrawal of MALBATT 850-13, based at Marakah Camp in southern Lebanon, marks the final Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) contingent under UNIFIL, concluding Malaysia's involvement in the peacekeeping mission since 2007. Malaysian personnel have been recognized for their professionalism and dedication throughout this period.

During his visit, Mohamed Khaled also oversaw the handover of MAF assets to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), with some assets to be returned to Malaysia and others to be donated or disposed of in Lebanon. A total of 292 assets, including vehicles and equipment valued at approximately USD10 million, will be transferred by January 2027 for various local community benefits.