Kuala lumpur: Malaysia appreciates the role played by Canada as an observer in the Expert Working Group under the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM)-Plus, recognising its contribution to strengthening regional defence cooperation. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said Malaysia has always welcomed Canada, positioning Malaysia as a key gateway to ASEAN in line with Canada's new focus on the Asia-Pacific, an increasingly important and strategic region in terms of economy, trade, and security.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Malaysia sees Canada as a potential strategic partner in the development of the local defence industry, in line with efforts to build a more sustainable and competitive national defence capability. Mohamed Khaled expressed hope that good relations can be further strengthened for the benefit of both countries, as shared in a post on his Facebook page.

Earlier, Mohamed Khaled received a courtesy call from Canadian High Commissioner to Malaysia Jodi Rae Robinson at Wisma Pertahanan, marking her first visit since assuming the post. The meeting also served to reaffirm the commitment of both countries to strengthening bilateral relations, especially through defence cooperation currently being negotiated via a Memorandum of Understanding.