Malaysia and US army work closely to ensure peace in South East Asia

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MALACCA: Malaysian Armed Forces and United States Army will work closely in various military aspects to ensure that peace and stability in South East Asia (SEA) prevails at all times.

Army’s Third Division commanding officer, Mej Jen Datuk Razali Ahmad said the bilateral co-operation between Malaysia and United States is salient and in line with Malaysia’s aspiration to witness a stable region.

“We believe in the adage ‘prosper thy neighbours’, hence the bilateral co-operation between Malaysia and United States military forces is imperative for us to maintain a peaceful equilibrium in this region,” he said during a joint press-conference held by Malaysian and United States army after the launching of theoretical exercise codenamed “Eksesais Keris Strike 15/2011 at Terendak Camp here recently.

Helping hand: Mej Jen Razali pinning an arm band on a United States army personnel as Brig Jen Michele looks on.

The United States Army with the representation of 117 officers was led by Brig Jen Michele G. Compton.

Mej Jen Razali said the armed forces is poised to gain more exposures and experiences through the joint exercise with United States Army.

“Our relationship with the United States is progressing steadily and the exercise is necessary especially with the erratic global challenges,” he said.

He said the exercise will be embarked accordingly to framework outlined by United Nations (UN) and Standard Operation Procedure adopted by other nations aligned to UN.

Mej Jen Razali said the effectiveness and abilities on embarking on joint exercise could be evaluated through this exercise and could be applied in the future, particularly during peace-keeping missions.

“We will also emphasise on community-based projects during the exercise as our previous experience in waging war against the communist has taught us that the situation cannot be quelled by solely utilising armouries but the army need to foster close relationship with the public,” he added.

Meanwhile. Brig Jen Compton viewed that the exercise is an appropriate platform for United State to strengthen its military bond with Malaysia.