Coat of arms

SENATOR THE HON DAVID FAWCETT

Assistant Minister for Defence

Senator for South Australia

Media Release
11 October 2018

Building on Australia-Malaysia Defence Relations Through New Connections

Assistant Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon David Fawcett today hosted Malaysia’s Deputy Defence Minister, Senator Liew Chin Tong, to discuss Australia-Malaysia defence relations.

The Defence Cooperation Program with Malaysia is Australia’s oldest in South East Asia encompassing a wide range of engagement activities including training, attachments, senior visits, exercises and strategic dialogue.

The Malaysia-Australia defence relationship is underpinned by the Five Power Defence Arrangements between Malaysia, Australia, Singapore, New Zealand and United Kingdom, which have been in place since 1971.

Minister Fawcett said the meeting with Minister Chin Tong, on his first official visit to Australia, covered the priorities of Malaysia’s new Government for defence and international engagement, as well as the strategic importance of a continuing close partnership between both nations.

“I was delighted to meet with Minister Chin Tong to reinforce the strength of our relationship,” Minister Fawcett said.

“Malaysia is a highly valued security partner, with our mutual engagement including counter-terrorism and maritime security efforts.”

“The Australia-Malaysia connection is long-standing, based on extensive people-to-people links, shared values, and mutual regional interests.”

Ends.