PORT KLANG: Canada will continue to honour its commitment to forge closer defence relations with Malaysia by offering military training to the local armed forces through a programme which began back in 1966.
Canadian National Defence Minister Harjit Singh Sajjan said to date, over 500 Malaysian armed forces personnel have benefitted from its Military Training and Cooperation Programme.
"This is a unique programme and we want to look at how we can further this relationship with Malaysia," said Harjit in a press conference onboard Royal Canadian Navy frigate, Her Majesty's Canadian Ship Winnipeg today.
Harjit is currently on a three day official visit to Malaysia to mark the port calls of two Royal Canadian Navy frigates - Her Majesty’s Canadian Ships Winnipeg and Ottawa - at the Boustead Cruise Centre, here.
Also present was Canadian High Commissioner to Malaysia, Judith St. George.
Canadian Defence Attache to Malaysia Colonel Janine Knackstedt said the programme was inked between both countries in 1966.
Knackstedt said the programme's memorandum of understanding was renewed in 2015 in a move to enhance the military cooperation with Malaysia.
"The programme is offered to Malaysian armed personnel, those in Minister of Defence as well as civilians working in the ministry. This military training programme is sponsored by the Canadian government.
"This year we have offered 54 positions where trainings are held all year long. There are a range of military courses on peace, security, integrity and professionalism as well as English and French language courses.
"We also give courses to quality them to be Canadian accreditted military public affairs officers.
"The programmes are held at various peace keeping training centres such as in Port Dickson, Indonesia, the Philippines and in Canada," she said.
During the press conference, Harjit said 2017 is historic as it marked the 40th anniversary of Canada-Malaysia relations as well as the 60th anniversary of the bilateral ties between both countries.
"Malaysia and Canada share many similarities. We are both home to a diverse population, enjoy vibrant economies, we are rich in natural resources and both are maritime nations.
"Although we are geographically separated by great distance, we are neighbours. The Pacific Ocean connects our two countries in very profound ways.
"It is my hope that Malaysia and Canada will continue to grow together in cooperation and support one another's international goals and activities," said Harjit.
Both ships left Victoria in British Columbia, Canada on March 6 and made port calls in Pearl Harbour, Hawaii; San Diego in California, Guam, Manila before arriving in Malaysia on April 23.