Malaysia ready to explore collaboration with China on security matters

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KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is ready to discuss further possibilities with China on joint military collaboration to tackle the threats of extremism, terrorism, kidnappings and other criminality.

This was among the issues discussed between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak with a high-level delegation from China led by President Xi Jinping’s Special Envoy, Meng Jianzhu, who heads the Political and Legislative Affairs Committee of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China here yesterday, stated a press statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.

It said both sides agreed for the relevant ministers, senior officials and agencies to further explore the details of such future collaboration.

“Malaysia believes positive discussions and collaborations with China as well as other Asean countries in these areas will further safeguard the mutual interests of all parties in the region,” stated the statement.

It said China had expressed its sincere gratitude to the Prime Minister for Malaysia’s cooperation on anti-terrorism and international crimes, including a recent phone scam affecting many Chinese citizens.

“The excellent cooperation between the defence and military establishments of Malaysia and China has been further strengthened via the elevation of bilateral relations to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

“This cooperation includes exchanges of high-level visits and meetings, and joint exercises,” it said.

Prime Minister’s Office said in response to the dynamic security challenges in the Asia Pacific region such as the threat of Daesh and food security, other areas of defence and military practical cooperation, such as exchange of intelligence and the formation of a secured communication link, may be further explored.

“Thus, Malaysia is ready to discuss further possibilities of joint military collaboration to tackle the threats of extremism, terrorism, kidnappings and other criminality,” it said.

It said that Malaysia is confident that through constructive joint dialogue between Asean countries and China, all parties will achieve a mutually beneficial long-term solution with respect to the South China Sea for the stability and prosperity of the region.

At the meeting, Najib also expressed his appreciation of President Xi’s One Belt, One Road strategy and its importance in creating economic and cultural integration.

“On this, Malaysia stands ready to explore the possibility of working together with China and Thailand to conduct a swift feasibility study to consider the development of the Kuala Lumpur-Bangkok High Speed Rail and East Coast Rail Link to enhance connectivity and tourism for Malaysia and Thailand,” it said. — Bernama

It said, in addition, Malaysia also welcomed China as a partner to jointly develop long-term tourism infrastructure and property related investments in Malaysia. — Bernama