MALAYSIA and New Zealand have reaffirmed their bilateral commitment on defence cooperation under the Five Powers Defence Arrangements (FPDA) and the Asean Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus).

According to a statement from Defence Ministry, Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob and his New Zealand counterpart, Peeni Henare held a video conference call yesterday, which underscored the importance of bilateral defence cooperation and excellent ties between both countries under the FPDA and the ADMM-Plus.

“Although challenged by the current Covid-19 pandemic situation, the two defence ministers expressed their mutual commitments to the FPDA and the 50th Anniversary event that Malaysia will be hosting in 2021,” the statement read.

They also expressed their support on the resumption of active engagements in 2021 between the armed forces, including the conduct of training and bilateral exercises. 

The statement said both ministers also discussed the need to strengthen cooperation on cybersecurity between the two armed forces. 

Apart from that, both the ministers also updated each other on the current pandemic situation and the implementation of the vaccination programme in both countries. 

Ismail also expressed his hope to meet Henare in person at the 11th FPDA Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur this year. – Bernama, April 13, 2021.