Putrajaya (Malaysia): Keen to work
together in the field of security, India and Malaysia on Wednesday
decided to explore possibilities of collaborative projects in
the defence sector and enhance cooperation in counter-
terrorism through information sharing and establishment of
Joint Working Group at an early date.
The decisions were reached at a meeting between Prime
Minister Manmohan Singh and his Malaysian counterpart Najib
Tun Razak here when they discussed these issues with concern.
A Joint Statement issued after the meeting said the
two leaders agreed to explore possibilities of joint venture
projects, including in the areas of industry collaboration and
partnership, on the basis of experience gained during the
successful completion of the SU-30 training programme.
As part of the programme, IAF has trained several
fighter pilots of Malaysian Air Force in flying MKM versions
of Sukhoi fighters.
Malaysia also invited Indian defence industry`s
participation at the soon-to-be-established Malaysian Defence
and Security Park. Both sides also agreed to support each
other`s defence exhibitions.
"Both sides also agreed to enhance defence exchanges
and cooperation through regular exchanges between the Defence
Ministers, senior defence officials, chiefs of armed forces
and regular Service-to-Service Staff Talks and regular ships
visits," the statement said.
Defence relations have also witnessed an increase over
the last few years. As part of the programme, Malaysia also
sent a warship to participate in India`s `Milan` exercises
some time back besides which ships of the two countries
regularly make calls at each other`s ports.
Singh and Najib also strongly condemned terrorism in
all its forms and manifestations and agreed to enhance
cooperation in counter-terrorism including through
information-sharing and the establishment of a bilateral Joint
Working Group on Counter-Terrorism at an early date, the joint
statement said.
"We have agreed to work closely with each other on
regional and international matters of common interest,
including on combating the scourge of terrorism," Singh said
at a joint press conference with Najib after their meeting.
Later, in a lecture here, he said, "We face similar
threats to our prosperity. We have a shared stake in
eliminating the threats of extremism and terrorism; in
maritime security in our region and the security of the
sea-lanes of communication. We can make common cause to
promote regional peace, security and stability."
PTI
