Malaysia, through the Ministry of Defence, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Defence Cooperation with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) yesterday, aimed at broadening the scope of bilateral defence collaboration.
The signing took place during a working visit by Malaysia’s Defence Minister (MENHAN), Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, to the Middle Eastern nation, strengthening strategic ties between the two countries.
In a statement, Mohamed Khaled said the initiative aligns with both nations’ vision of creating a closer, modern, and forward-looking defence diplomacy that extends beyond purely military aspects.
“The MOU reflects the commitment of both countries to encourage joint defence research, explore defence product development, and build new capabilities that yield mutual benefits,” he said.
The Defence Minister added that the MOU would serve as a key bridge to immediately engage with industries, particularly in identifying areas of common focus and potential high-impact projects that can be commercialised to strengthen the defence ecosystem in both countries.
“Malaysia and the UAE are also committed to enhancing coordination in military training and expertise sharing, including joint training initiatives that improve readiness, interoperability, and capabilities of the armed forces,” he added.
The MOU is expected to open a new chapter in Malaysia-UAE defence cooperation, fostering a partnership that is stronger, complementary, and rooted in regional and global peace and stability.
The signing ceremony took place during a bilateral meeting between MENHAN and the UAE Minister of State for Defence Affairs, TYT Mohamed Bin Mubarak Fadhel Al Mazrouei, at the UAE Ministry of Defence in Abu Dhabi.
During the meeting, Mohamed Khaled also highlighted Malaysia’s capabilities in the semiconductor and aerospace sectors, which could potentially support the defence product supply chain of EDGE Group, a UAE government-owned technology and defence conglomerate, in the future.
He further proposed collaboration for Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) officers to train on UAE’s Gowind-class ships as part of preparations to operate Malaysia’s LCS vessels, which use similar technology. The proposal was positively received and will be further evaluated in terms of suitable training requirements.
“I express my sincere appreciation for the invitation and warm reception by the UAE, while emphasising the importance of consistently strengthening defence cooperation, in line with the already established bilateral economic relations between Malaysia and the UAE,” he said.
"During the meeting, the UAE recognized the close relationship between Malaysia and the UAE and welcomed the participation of Malaysian companies to establish cooperation with EDGE Group.
“Both parties agreed to continue strengthening information sharing, human capital development, defence cooperation, and new initiatives that bring mutual benefits,” he said.
On that occasion, he expressed hope that these efforts would contribute to strengthening regional and global security and peace, in addition to strengthening bilateral relations between Malaysia and the UAE, especially in the field of defence.
During the visit, Mohamed Khaled also visited the Malaysian Embassy in UAE, Abu Dhabi and was welcomed by Ambassador TYT Tengku Datuk Sirajuzzaman Tengku Mohamed Ariffin.
He commended the commitment shown in strengthening Malaysia-UAE relations, particularly in defence, while ensuring the welfare of Malaysians in the UAE remains protected.
