Malaysian Defense Officials Strengthen Ties During Visit to French Carrier Charles de Gaulle
A delegation of Malaysian defense officials, led by Defence Minister Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled, visited the Charles de Gaulle alongside joint air combat exercises with the Royal Malaysian Air Force. This visit highlights efforts to strengthen defense cooperation between France and Malaysia in the Indo-Pacific region.
On March 2, a delegation of Malaysian defense officials, led by Defence Minister Yang Berhormat Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin, visited the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle. The delegation was received by notable French officials, including Ambassador Axel Cruau and Rear Admiral Jacques Mallard, commander of the French Carrier Strike Group. Accompanying Minister Khaled were senior figures from the Ministry of Defence and Malaysian Armed Forces, such as General Datuk Hj Mohd Nizam bin Hj Jaafar, Chief of Defence Forces.
During the visit, Minister Khaled received a briefing from Rear Admiral Mallard regarding the capabilities of the Charles de Gaulle and her air wing. He noted that this visit was a component of France’s strategy to fortify defense cooperation in the region, particularly with Malaysia. Concurrently, a joint air combat exercise was conducted, featuring four French Rafales and several Malaysian aircraft, including the Su-30MKM and F/A-18D.
The Malaysian delegation had the opportunity to observe aircraft launch and recovery operations on the carrier as part of the exercise. The French Embassy in Malaysia emphasized the significance of such exercises in enhancing military interoperability and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, showcasing France’s commitment to uphold international law and ensure free access to common spaces.
Prior to this visit, the Charles de Gaulle strike group had engaged in a joint patrol of the South China Sea with the Philippine military and had made its inaugural port call to Subic Bay in the Philippines. Notably, in January, the destroyer Forbin from the strike group conducted joint training exercises with the Royal Malaysian Navy as part of Exercise LA PEROUSE 25, focusing on maritime security activities.
The visit of Malaysian defense officials to the Charles de Gaulle serves to strengthen defense ties between Malaysia and France. It underscores the commitment of both nations to enhance military cooperation and interoperability. The joint exercises are pivotal for upholding international law and ensuring security in the Indo-Pacific region.
Original Source: www.navalnews.com
