Abu dhabi: Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) signed a defence cooperation memorandum of understanding (MoU), marking yet another important milestone in bilateral strategic ties. The MoU was signed by Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin during a bilateral meeting with UAE National Minister for Defence Affairs Mohamed Mubarak Fadhel AlMazrouei in Abu Dhabi recently.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohamed Khaled stated that the MoU would expand the scope of defence cooperation comprehensively, aligning with both countries' aspirations to build stronger, modern, and far-sighted diplomatic defence relations. The agreement underscores a joint commitment to encourage joint defence research, explore defence products, and develop new capabilities for mutual benefit.
This MoU is expected to serve as a vital bridge to initiate industry engagement, particularly in identifying fields of shared focus and potential high-impact projects that can be commercialised to enhance the defence industry ecosystem in both nations. Mohamed Khaled is in Abu Dhabi for a two-day working visit and is accompanied by Defence Ministry (MINDEF) deputy secretary-general (Policy) Mohd Yani Daud, Armed Forces chief of staff Lt Gen Datuk Azhan Md Othman, and MINDEF Policy and Strategic Planning Division Undersecretary Datuk Muhammad Ammir Haron.
He further shared that Malaysia and the UAE are committed to boosting military training coordination and sharing expertise, including joint training initiatives to improve readiness, interoperability, and capabilities of both nations' forces. The MoU aims to open a new chapter in Malaysia-UAE defence cooperation, focusing on stronger, complementary, and peace-oriented relations for regional stability.
The UAE acknowledged the strong ties with Malaysia and welcomed Malaysian companies to collaborate with EDGE Group, a UAE-government-owned technology and defence conglomerate. Mohamed Khaled presented Malaysia's capabilities in semiconductor and aerospace components, which could potentially support the supply chain of EDGE Group military products in the future.
Both parties agreed to continue enhancing information sharing, human capital development, defence cooperation, and developing new initiatives for mutual benefit. Malaysia received a positive response to its proposal for collaboration in training Royal Malaysian Navy officers onboard the UAE Gowind-class ships, preparing them to operate Malaysian LCS vessels using the same technology.
During his visit, Mohamed Khaled visited the Malaysian embassy in the UAE and was welcomed by Ambassador Tengku Datuk Sirajuzzaman Tengku Mohamed Ariffin and embassy staff. He expressed appreciation for the commitment shown in improving Malaysia-UAE ties, particularly in defence, which is crucial for both countries. Embassies play a role in enhancing defence diplomacy and supporting the national security agenda, along with ensuring the interests of Malaysians abroad.