KOTA KINABALU: Malaysian and Australian defence personnel will get to forge stronger ties with the Indo-Pacific Endeavour (IPE) taking place in Sabah’s capital this month.
The IPE 2024 is Australia’s flagship regional engagement activity and returns to Malaysia with the arrival of the Royal Australian Navy’s guided missile destroyer HMAS Sydney in Kota Kinabalu.
This is the Australian Defence Force’s inaugural visit to the state capital under the IPE which will run from Oct 1 to 11.
Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia Danielle Heinecke said that IPE 2024 is an opportunity to build the strong and long-standing defence and security cooperation between both countries, calling it “an important pillar of our bilateral relationship.”
“Malaysia is an important friend and partner to Australia and our close partnership is a testament to the strength of our deep people-to-people connections, common interests, and shared history.
“We look forward to celebrating and deepening our links during the 70th anniversary of Australia’s diplomatic presence in Malaysia next year,” she said in a statement on Tuesday (Oct 1).
A series of engagement activities have been planned with the Malaysian Armed Forces, which will provide opportunities for both countries to share experiences and exchange views.
Among the key engagements and activities are a forum on international humanitarian and cyber law.
Faith-based and sporting engagements – including friendly badminton matches – are also on the cards, besides HMAS Sydney’s activities at sea with the Royal Malaysian Navy.
IPE 2024 commander Commodore Michael Harris said the bilateral programme allows Australia and Malaysia to work together closely in ways that are of, with and for the region.
“During IPE 2024, we will be engaging, training and learning from each other around maritime security and cyber operations to build the security of the Indo-Pacific region.
“Australia values its strong defence and people-to-people links with Malaysia.
“We look forward to deepening our cooperation through IPE 2024 to help maintain a peaceful, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region for all,” he said.
The IPE is an annual programme that supports the Australian government’s commitment on deepening diplomatic and defence partnerships across Southeast Asia and the Northeast Indian Ocean.
