French cooperation with Malaysia on piracy

The French are offering assistance to Malaysia on piracy issues, given the strategic location of that nation.

Paris, which has a long and established military relationship with Kuala Lumpur, is extending its cooperation in combating piracy in the region, French Defence Minister Herve Morin said on Thursday.

Speaking through a translator, he said, France hoped to strengthen the bilateral relationship by complimenting Malaysia's efforts to fight piracy in the regional waterways.

'We understand that Malaysia is playing a key role in fighting piracy in this region. Thus, we will give our priority in helping Malaysia to achieve it,' he said at a press conference after visiting the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) Exhibition 2009 here yesterday.

Earlier, Morin met his Malaysian counterpart, Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The French defence minister said France had also invited Malaysia to join forces in 'Operation Atlanta' to fight piracy in the Somali waters.

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By: Brant