Canadian Defence Minister Concludes Visit to Malaysia

From: National Defence

News Release

April 26, 2017, Kuala Lumpur — National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces 

The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Defence, finished a two-day visit to Malaysia focused on common issues of security, defence and trade. 

Minister Sajjan met with his Malaysian counterpart, the Honourable Hishammuddin bin Tun Hussein, Minister of Defence. The meeting was an opportunity for Minister Sajjan to reaffirm Canada’s commitment to security and stability throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Minister Sajjan also met with the Honourable Anifah bin Haji Aman, Malaysian Foreign Affairs Minister, to discuss potential areas for furthering cooperation as well as ways to build stronger trade relations. 

Minister Sajjan travelled to Port Klang where he met with sailors and aviators onboard HMCS Winnipeg and HMCS Ottawa and took part in a reception held to mark 60 years of strong bilateral relations between Canada and Malaysia. In March, both ships departed the Canadian Forces Base in Esquimalt, B.C. for the Indo-Asia Pacific for the Royal Canadian Navy’s POSEIDON CUTLASS 17 deployment. This deployment is part of Canada’s commitment to maintaining peace and security throughout the Indo-Asia Pacific. For the next several months, these ships will take part in training exercises and special events with their Indo-Asia Pacific counterparts throughout the region. 

The Canada-Malaysia defence relationship is enhanced by the training delivered through Canada’s Military Training and Cooperation Program, with Malaysia being a participating member since 1966. Since that time, more than 500 officers from the Malaysia’s Armed Forces have participated in MTCP-sponsored activities in Canada and at various locations around the world. 

Minister Sajjan’s visit not only signifies the importance of the strong Canadian-Malaysian bilateral relationship, but also of a growing relationship with ASEAN. Over the years, Canada has worked closely with ASEAN to maintain the peace, stability and security necessary for Southeast Asia to develop and prosper. Further exemplifying Canada’s commitment to the Asia-Pacific region, in May 2017, Ottawa will host the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Regional Forum Defence Officials’ Dialogue

Quotes

“Canada and Malaysia have a long history of close bilateral relations enhanced by our strong, authentic connections and a solid defence and security relationship. Canada is committed to the Asia Pacific region and contributing to the region’s security, stability and prosperity. Not only does this year mark the 60th anniversary of Canada’s and Malaysia’s close relationship, it also marks 40 years of friendship and cooperation between Canada and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. As a Pacific nation, Canada deeply values its partnership with ASEAN and continues to work toward an even higher level of collaboration.” 

— Harjit S. Sajjan, Defence Minister

Quick Facts

  • Canada was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with the newly-independent Federation of Malaya in 1957 and was represented at the celebrations marking the formation of Malaysia in 1963. 

  • Canada and Malaysia enjoy an expanding defence and security relationship, highlighted by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on security cooperation in October 2013.

  • Canada is providing ongoing support for initiatives related to counter-terrorism, anti-crime, security and defence. Through these programs, Canada has trained nearly 1,000 Malaysian first responders to safely respond to terrorist attacks and has contributed equipment to Malaysian security partners.

  • The Military Training and Cooperation Program maintains a significant programming presence in the Asia Pacific region with 13 partner countries. The program provides broad-based defence diplomacy through which Canada engages with the armed forces of partner nations around the world. The aim of the program is to expand and reinforce Canadian bilateral and defence relations, and promote Canadian democratic principles and the protection of human rights in the international arena.

  • Since 1977, Canada has been a Dialogue Partner of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. The relationship between Canada and Malaysia is further fostered through cooperation in other international organisations such as the Commonwealth, and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation.

  • Malaysia was Canada’s third largest bilateral merchandise trading partner in the ASEAN region in 2016, with bilateral trade reaching $3.3 billion.

Contacts

Jordan Owens
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-3100
Email: Jordan.Owens@forces.gc.ca 

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-2353
Toll-Free: 1-866-377-0811
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca

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