Thailand and Malaysia have agreed to forge closer cooperation in security, border development and the defence industry, with both countries looking to elevate bilateral ties to a “strategic partnership for peace and development”, according to Thailand’s Public Relations Department.
Defence Minister Lt Gen Adul Boonthumjaroen paid an official visit to Malaysia on Monday and Tuesday at the invitation of Malaysian Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin.
The visit followed discussions between the two ministers during the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore in late May, as well as a recent official visit to Malaysia by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, during which the two countries inaugurated a new road linking the Sadao border checkpoint.
During their talks, the two defence ministers agreed to deepen cooperation by promoting a “partnership for border area development” that involves improving the quality of life for border communities while maintaining long-term security.
The ministers also welcomed progress in drafting a memorandum of understanding on defence cooperation, which is expected to be signed at the 57th Thailand-Malaysia General Border Committee (GBC) meeting later this year.
Discussing security issues in Thailand’s troubled southern border provinces, the Thai side stressed the importance of preventing cross-border areas from being used to support violent activities.
Both countries agreed to forge stronger military-to-military coordination to improve operational flexibility and communication along the shared border.
Thailand and Malaysia also agreed to expand cooperation in the defence industry through supply chain integration, technology exchange and joint capability development.
The two countries will build on the success of the First Win wheeled armoured vehicle programme and explore opportunities for aircraft maintenance cooperation with Malaysia’s Aircraft Inspection, Repair & Overhaul Depot (Airod), a subsidiary of National Aerospace and Defence Industries (Nadi).
Airod provides aircraft maintenance, repair and inspection services for military and civilian operators and is expected to play a greater role in enhancing regional self-reliance in defence manufacturing and maintenance.
The ministers also agreed to cooperate under Asean’s expert working groups and pledged closer policy coordination to address emerging transnational threats, including cybercrime, online scams and transboundary pollution.
