Bangkok: Malaysia and Thailand have reaffirmed their commitment to intensifying defence relations, marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing bilateral defence ties. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin expressed Malaysia’s gratitude for Thailand’s ongoing support in a Facebook post highlighting the collaboration between the two nations.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohamed Khaled emphasized the significance of platforms such as the General Border Committee Malaysia-Thailand (GBC MALTHAI) Meeting, now in its 56th iteration. These platforms are crucial for bolstering border security, supporting joint operations, fostering socio-economic development, and coordinating disaster management efforts. He noted the strong diplomatic relationship shared by Malaysia and Thailand, both bilaterally and through regional forums like ASEAN.

The visit to Bangkok by Mohamed Khaled is part of a three-day official tour aimed at enhancing border cooperation. During the visit, the Defence Minister met with Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, at the Thai Ministry of Defense. Malaysia’s Ministry of Defense (MINDEF) and the Malaysian Armed Forces are keen to deepen collaboration with the Royal Thai Armed Forces.

Mohamed Khaled also expressed optimism that Thailand would gain from the Malaysian Defence Cooperation Programme (MDCP), which aims to build capacity and enhance defence diplomacy between the two countries. Additionally, he invited Phumtham to attend the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (LIMA ’25) and two key events under Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship: the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) Retreat and the ADMM Meeting.

Meanwhile, MINDEF issued a statement noting that the primary focus of the visit was to participate in the 56th GBC MALTHAI Meeting. Established following the signing of the General Border Agreement in 1964, the committee serves as the main platform for overseeing border cooperation. The structure includes the High-Level Committee (HLC), the Regional Border Committee (RBC), and the Thailand-Malaysia Joint Combined Training Committee (THAMAL JCEC).

During the meeting, both ministers expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved by the committees under the GBC framework, especially in reinforcing cooperation between the Malaysian Armed Forces and the Royal Thai Armed Forces to address border security challenges.