VISIT TO MALAYSIA

Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Marise Payne, will visit Royal Malaysian Air Force Base Butterworth on 25 June 2018 for the inaugural Malaysia-Australia High Level Committee meeting on Defence Cooperation and to mark the 60th anniversary of the Royal Australian Air Force presence at the base.

Minister Payne said the elevation of bilateral defence relations to include regular ministerial-level meetings demonstrates the strong commitment both nations have to deepening the relationship.

“Malaysia is a highly valued security partner through whole-of-government counter-terrorism and maritime security efforts and I look forward to meeting with Malaysian Minister of Defence, His Excellency Tuan Haji Mohamad bin Sabu,” Minister Payne said.

About 100 former ADF members will travel to Butterworth to attend the Malaysia Australia Defence Alumni Association reception to mark the 60th anniversary celebrations.

“Generations of ADF personnel and their families have worked and lived at Butterworth. The number of former personnel attending the anniversary is testament to the special place it holds in many people’s hearts,” Minister Payne said.

“The Australia-Malaysia defence relationship is based on long-standing people-to-people links, shared values, and mutual interests in the region.”

 “The Alumni Association has a strong membership base which plays an important role in sustaining Australian and Malaysian defence networks and friendships.”