Malaysia today opened a military training centre that it hopes will teach soldiers from Asia Pacific countries to respect communities and boost global peace and security.

Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak said the government built the peacekeeping training centre as Malaysia is one of the 10 top countries contributing to United Nations missions.

"Although the Cold War era has passed, misunderstanding and conflicts will continue to paint the world politics.

"In this context, the UN will continue to play an active role in fostering world peace and Malaysia will continue to support the UN in achieving this," Najib, who is also defence minister, said in a statement.

Guidance

Najib said courses at the centre were designed to provide soldiers and policemen on peacekeeping missions with training on the needs of communities during and after conflict.

"It also provides guidance on how peacekeepers should conduct themselves in the mission area in order to respect communities' rights," he said.

Najib said he hoped to train people from all Asia Pacific countries.

Malaysia has been participating in UN peacekeeping operations since 1960. Since then it had taken part in 33 missions, including Cambodia, Bosnia-Hercegovina and East Timor.