M'sia To Discuss Defence Cooperation, Setting Up Of Joint Peacekeeping Team At ADMM

LANGKAWI (Kedah, Malaysia), Feb 10 (Bernama) -- Malaysia plans to discuss possible cooperation in defence industry and the setting up of a joint peacekeeping team at the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) scheduled to take place here for two days from March 15. Deputy Defence Minister Abdul Rahim Bakri (two, right) said the senior officials' had also begun their meeting in conjunction with the ADMM and Malaysia had also prepared its key points of discussion for the ministerial meeting. Speaking to the media after checking the preparation for the ADMM at the Langkawi International Convention Centre (LICC) here, Abdul Rahim said ASEAN had a very vast potential to emerge as the main player in the global defence industry, but it would need undivided cooperation from its member countries. "If it's just one country moving alone, it will not become a good force, but if all ASEAN member countries were to merge in terms of capital, human resource and technical expertise, we can produce viable products," he said. Meanwhile, Abdul Rahim said the setting up of the ASEAN joint peacekeeping team would also strengthen the cooperation between the 10 member countries in making meaningful contribution to world peace. "This will enable our armed forces to foster closer cooperation and, at the same time, defuse any conflicts among ASEAN member countries," he said. The deputy minister said the ADMM would be the curtain raiser to the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2014 (LIMA'15) which would showcase ASEAN elements in line with Malaysia's role as the chairman of the association this year. He said he was satisfied with the preparation for the exhibition so far. To date, a total of 502 local and international companies have confirmed their participation in LIMA, which is scheduled to be held from March 17 to 21, he added. (photoBERNAMA) -- BERNAMA