KUALA LUMPUR: The United Kingdom (UK) Minister of State for Defence Timothy George Lariston Elliot-Murray-Kynynmound, Earl of Minto, has emphasised the importance of international defence alliances for regional stability and security, particularly Malaysia's robust relationship in the Five Powers Defence Arrangement (FPDA).
Speaking to the New Straits Times on his maiden visit, Lariston underscored the longstanding bond between Malaysia and the UK, which extended back over many years.
"We've got a very close relationship with Malaysia and in defence, we're extremely close and we expect that to remain, if not get better and closer.
"The FPDA, which I think is the second longest arrangement in the world, shows the lasting power of those good commitments."
He said the close ties were seen within the annual FPDA exercises such as Exercise Bersama Lima – a three-week event that saw joint combat air simulations, jungle warfare training, beach landings and coordinated naval gunfire support.
On a smaller scale, there was Exercise Bersama Shield, a two-week-long programme where a joint naval task group trained closely together on surface and anti-air warfare techniques, as well as live-firing drills.
He also said the UK's strong ties with Malaysian armed forces were reflected in various channels, including training and military support programmes at the military colleges of Sandhurst and Dartmouth, where many Malaysian military personnel had trained.
"I think that shows the level of mutual trust that we have between each other as far as going forward," he said.
According to the British High Commission, over the past three years, more than 30 Malaysian military personnel had been sent to the UK for training.
They were sent to prestigious institutions like the Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS) and the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
The Earl of Minto also touched on the significance of initiatives like the AUKUS pact in ensuring long-term commitment to regional security.
These, he said, were also reflected in the UK's permanent presence in the South China Sea as a demonstration of its commitment to safeguarding freedom of navigation.
"If the world is a slightly more unstable place now than it was a few years ago, these international alliances become even more important to make certain that calm heads prevail," he said.
Reflecting on future prospects for military collaboration, Lariston emphasised the need for continuous development and enhancement of relationships.
He highlighted the importance of adapting to changing circumstances and working closely with partner nations to address evolving challenges.
"Military collaboration changes with the situation. Unless you're prepared to continue developing the relationship, it goes stale.
"All militaries need to modernise and we would like to offer and be part of any modernisation that Malaysia might consider undergoing.
"So I'm sure that as we move into the future, there will always be amendments and enhancements to be made. And, you know, we work very closely together (with the five countries) and I'm sure that that will continue to be the case."
Commenting on the Defence Services Asia (DSA) and National Security Asia (Natsec) 2024 exhibitions here, Lariston said it was an extremely positive and successful trade show.
"I was really impressed by the quality of the offer, by the number of people who were there and the standard of commitment that we experienced.
"It just goes to show what level of not only interest but what level of cooperation that people are expecting nowadays."
