KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 1 (Bernama) -- Malaysia and Lebanon have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening and expanding defence cooperation even as Malaysia prepares to end nearly two decades of MALBATT deployment under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the commitment was conveyed during bilateral talks with his Lebanese counterpart, Major General Michel Menassa, during his first two-day official visit to Lebanon, which began Tuesday.
“Lebanon is one of Malaysia’s earliest partners in West Asia. This relationship will continue to be strengthened, even after MALBATT’s deployment under UNIFIL ends.
“We discussed expanding defence cooperation, including a proposed memorandum of understanding on defence cooperation and continued training opportunities through the Malaysian Defence Cooperation Programme (MDCP). These proposals were well received by Lebanon,” he said in a statement today.
Mohamed Khaled also expressed confidence that defence cooperation would continue to expand in areas of mutual benefit.
During the visit, Mohamed Khaled participated in a wreath-laying ceremony to honour the country’s fallen servicemen at Lebanon’s Ministry of National Defence and visited the Malaysian Embassy in Beirut, where he was welcomed by Malaysian Ambassador to Lebanon Anwar Udzir. Defence Ministry deputy secretary-general Datuk Mohd Yani Daud was also present.
The minister said the embassy had played an important role in strengthening Malaysia-Lebanon relations, including in defence, and had supported and facilitated the deployment of Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) personnel since Malaysia joined UNIFIL in 2007.
“Although MALBATT’s deployment here will end soon, defence relations must continue to be strengthened, including through the role of the embassy, for the benefit of both countries,” he said.
At the embassy, Mohamed Khaled also witnessed the symbolic handover of medical equipment and fire extinguishers from MALBATT to the Lebanese Civil Defense, represented by its director-general, Brig Gen Imad Khreich.
He also inaugurated a mini-gym donated by MALBATT as a legacy for embassy personnel.
On MALBATT’s withdrawal, Mohamed Khaled said MALBATT 850-13, based at Marakah Camp in southern Lebanon, was the final MAF contingent under UNIFIL, marking the end of Malaysia’s nearly two-decade involvement in the peacekeeping mission.
“Since 2007, the presence of the MAF in Lebanon under UNIFIL has reflected Malaysia’s commitment to contributing to international peace and stability.
“Throughout that period, the MAF has carried out this responsibility with professionalism and dedication, a service that is a source of pride for the people and the country,” he said.
Mohamed Khaled also witnessed the symbolic handover of MAF assets to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) on the final day of his visit.
The handover was carried out by Joint Forces Commander Lt Gen Datuk Seri Tengku Muhammad Fauzi Tengku Ibrahim to LAF representative Brig Gen Amine El Kai.
Mohamed Khaled said some MALBATT assets would be brought back to Malaysia, while others would be disposed of in Lebanon or handed over to the LAF.
A total of 292 assets, comprising vehicles and other equipment worth an estimated USD10 million (about RM42 million), will be handed over in stages until January 2027 for welfare, humanitarian assistance and peace-related activities benefiting local communities.
Mohamed Khaled also met with MALBATT 850-13 personnel and toured Marakah Camp to observe its facilities and the daily conditions of Malaysian personnel serving under UNIFIL.
Before arriving in Beirut, he made a brief transit visit to Istanbul, Turkiye, where he was received by Rear Admiral Emin Yilmaz, head of the Naval Warfare Institute at the Turkish National Defence University.
Mohamed Khaled arrived at Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport on Tuesday and was received by Brig Gen Antoine Kmeid, representing Lebanon’s defence minister and armed forces commander.
-- BERNAMA