3 days ago
MSIA PUSHES FOR DEEPER DEFENCE TIES AT REGIONAL SECURITY SUMMIT
Mohamed Khaled in conversation with Hegseth at the 22nd Asia Security Summit: IISS Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.
DEFENCE Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin led the Defence Ministry (Mindef) delegation to the 22nd Asia Security Summit: The International Institute for Strategic Studies Shangri-La Dialogue (IISS SLD 2025), held from May 30 to June 1 at the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore.
The annual forum, organised by International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) since 2002, brought together defence ministers, senior military officers and top government officials from across Asia-Pacific and Europe.
As part of his working visit, Mohamed Khaled took part in multilateral meetings with Asean Defence Ministers, Timor-Leste and the United States (US) Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth.
He also met with counterparts from the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) — Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and the United Kingdom — to reaffirm Malaysia's commitment to the long-standing defence pact that has spanned over five decades.
In line with Malaysia's Asean Chairmanship in 2025, Mohamed Khaled also used the platform to discuss regional security concerns, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, and ways to strengthen defence cooperation between Asean countries and the US.
He stressed the need for all parties to uphold Asean's core principles to safeguard the region's security, sovereignty and stability, especially in light of ongoing challenges in Myanmar and the South China Sea. He reiterated that any regional approach should remain Asean-led and Asean-driven.
During a bilateral meeting with Singapore's newly appointed Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing, Mohamed Khaled expressed hope for closer cooperation to ensure the region remains free, stable and secure.
On the second day of the summit, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim delivered a special address where he outlined strategies from South-East Asia to promote regional cooperation, build economic resilience and safeguard autonomy amid growing global tensions.
Touching on regional security, Anwar pointed to Asean's continued efforts to address the Myanmar crisis and navigate the South China Sea issue carefully. Malaysia, he said, remains firmly non-aligned – advocating for justice and inclusivity while rejecting bloc politics and spheres of influence.
Mohamed Khaled later joined Anwar in a meeting with Hegseth and also received a courtesy call from Boeing Global president Dr Brendan Nelson.
The meeting with the US Defence Secretary reflected the strong bilateral ties between both countries, particularly in the defence sector.
Meanwhile, Nelson's visit underscored Malaysia's relevance as a strategic partner for multinational players — a sign that could open the door to future industrial collaborations, especially in support of Malaysia's defence industry.
Throughout the summit, Mohamed Khaled also held bilateral discussions with several defence leaders including Sweden's Defence Minister Dr Pal Jonson, France's Armed Forces Minister Sebastien Lecornu, Japan's Defence Minister Gen Nakatani and Australia's Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles. These meetings reinforced shared commitments to deepening defence ties across various domains.
Mohamed Khaled's participation at SLD 2025 reflects Malaysia's continued efforts to strengthen international defence partnerships — a key component of the Third Pillar of the National Defence Strategy, which focuses on credible partnerships to uphold national sovereignty, regional stability and global peace.
He was accompanied by Mindef deputy sec-general (policy) Mohd Yani Daud, Malaysian Institute of Defence and Security (Midas) chief executive Lt Gen Datuk Seri Muhammad Huzaimi Sabri and Malaysian Armed Forces assistant chief of staff for defence training operations Maj Gen Datuk Indera Zahari Mohd Ariffin.
Accompanying Mohamed Khaled on this official visit were Defence Ministry deputy sec-gen (policy) Mohd Yani Daud, Malaysian Institute of Defence and Security (Midas) chief executive Lieutenant General Datuk Seri Muhammad Huzaimi Sabri and Malaysian Armed Forces assistant chief of staff for defence training operations Maj Gen Datuk Indera Zahari Mohd Ariffin.
