UK celebrates historic defence relationships in the Indo-Pacific

The UK has deepened its Indo-Pacific defence ties, with Baroness Goldie visiting Malaysia and Vietnam this week.

According to the Ministry of Defence (MOD), the visits aimed to strengthen defence ties and "celebrate our historical defence and security co-operation".

Baroness Goldie discussed the UK's recent Integrated Review Refresh and how the AUKUS agreement will support regional stability, as well as reinforce the UK's commitment to the region.

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First visiting Kuala Lumpur and Penang, the minister met with Malaysian Defence Minister Dato' Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan on Tuesday, discussing the deepening of bilateral co-operation and defence ties through the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA).

Celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations with Vietnam, Baroness Goldie met with Vice Minister Chien of the Ministry of National Defence and attended the UK and Vietnam's Fourth Defence Policy Dialogue – an annual bilateral meeting between the two nations, agreeing on the future framework for joint defence co-operation.

'Indo-Pacific region is critical'

Baroness Goldie said: "It was a huge pleasure to visit both Malaysia and Vietnam this week, hearing their strategic objectives and challenges, and discussing ways we can continue our long-standing defence co-operation.

"The Indo-Pacific region is critical to our economy and security, and our commitment to upholding an open and stable order is at the heart of all we do."

In both countries, Baroness Goldie also paid her respects to those who have given their lives in conflicts, laying a wreath at the Commonwealth War Grave Commission (CWGC) Cemetery in Taiping and another at the Bac Son Martyr Memorial Monument in Hanoi.

The MOD said: "The Minister's visit reconfirms the UK's commitment to the Indo-Pacific, a region critical to the UK's economy, security, and our commitment to an open and stable international order."