IPOH: The Navy's guided missile frigate, KD Lekiu will continue its role in conducting defense diplomatic activities through its participation in the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) - India Maritime Exercise (AIME) 2023.
The Navy said in a statement today (May 9) that the vessel's participation was in line with AIME's objective, where defense partnerships and joint operational activities between ASEAN countries and India are used to address maritime threats in the region.
"The exercise will also allow Naval personnel to interact and update their knowledge with participants from other countries and boost their competencies via field training exercises based on the concept of maritime security," read the statement.
KD Lekiu's participation would also reinforce the Navy's role as Malaysia's ambassadors in promoting defense diplomacy, in addition to strengthening regional cooperation.
AIME 2023, which took place at Changi Naval Base, Singapore and the South China Sea from May 2 and ended yesterday (May 8), was jointly organised by the Singaporean and Indian navies and coincided with the organisation of the International Maritime Defence Exhibition (IMDEX) in Singapore from May 3 to 5.
The multilateral exercise was the first held and was the result of the 16th ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on June 22 last year. – BERNAMA