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Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles has hosted the Malaysian Minister of Defence Mohamed Khaled Nordin for the fourth Malaysia-Australia High Level Committee Meeting in Melbourne.
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Australia and Malaysia share a long-standing defence partnership, built on shared military history, the Five Power Defence Arrangements, the Malaysia Australia Joint Defence Program (MAJDP), and both country’s commitment to ASEAN centrality.
The two countries share a common interest in maintaining peace and stability in the region.
Deputy Prime Minister Marles said, “Malaysia is one of our closest partners, with an enduring bond that spans many decades. Built upon a comprehensive program of exchanges, training and exercises, our two nations will continue to make strong contributions to regional security and prosperity.”
The Deputy Prime Minister and Malaysian Minister of Defence discussed regional security cooperation, maritime domain awareness and information sharing and reflected on the success of recent joint exercises.
Additionally, the ministers welcomed the current breadth and future trajectory of MAJDP with mutually agreed five-year plans to enhance interoperability, capability and infrastructure through a steady tempo of education, training, and exercises. The ministers noted their armed forces successfully exercised together in various parts of Malaysia in 2024.
Deputy Prime Minister Marles noted that Malaysian military officers were the largest group of international secondees in the Australian Defence Force and expressed appreciation for their meaningful contribution.
Shifting the focus to the Indo-Pacific’s rising powers, the minister reiterated serious concern about developments in the South China Sea that undermine peace, security and stability in the region. The ministers highlighted the importance of freedom of navigation and overflight in accordance with international law.
They encouraged all parties to exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities and avoid actions that may raise the risk of accidents, misunderstanding and miscalculation and emphasised the need for all states to resolve disputes peacefully in accordance with universally recognised principles of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Additionally, they noted that maritime claims must be consistent with UNCLOS while both ministers noted that it is important for a code of conduct in the South China Sea to be consistent with international law, including UNCLOS.
The ministers reiterated their commitment to promoting an Indo-Pacific region that is open, stable, inclusive and transparent, underpinned by respect for sovereignty and adherence to agreed rules and norms and also reiterated the importance of promoting dialogue and practical measures to reduce the risk of misunderstanding and miscalculation as well as prevent conflict in the region.
These discussions took place ahead of significant bilateral events in 2025, including commemorations for the 80th anniversary of significant World War II events, the 70th anniversary of Australia-Malaysia diplomatic relations, and Australia’s support for Malaysia as 2025 ASEAN chair.
