Malaysia and Kuwait have aligned views on the issue of the ongoing war in the Middle East to this day.
The two countries agreed that the conflict that hit West Asia should end immediately and the countries involved in the war should strive for peace negotiations and adhere to the guidelines set by the United Nations (UN).
Malaysia and Kuwait are also preparing to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the field of defense that can create mutual interests for both countries.
The matter was agreed upon when Defense Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled paid a courtesy visit to Kuwait which was welcomed by the Deputy Prime Minister, Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah who is also the country's Defense Minister.
Mohamed Khaled arrived in Kuwait on Sunday for an official working visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries and the delegation also visited the Ahmed Al-Jaber Air Base.
In addition, various collaborations were discussed in terms of research and development, the exchange of training of military officers as well as the sharing of technology and innovation.
The two countries have also agreed to establish a special committee to start negotiations on the purchase of F/A-18 Legacy Hornet belonging to the Kuwait Air Force (KAF) for use by the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF).
Although Kuwait showed a positive reaction regarding the application for the purchase of assets by Malaysia, the situation will depend on the agreement of the supplier country as well as the delivery of new air assets for Kuwait.
The Legacy Hornet combat aircraft is seen as very suitable for use by the RMAF as well as being a necessity in improving Malaysia's air defense capabilities.
If the acquisition of the Kuwaiti aircraft does not go smoothly, Malaysia will have to start the process of finding another aircraft which may take more than three to four years to come.
