KOTA KINABALU (BERNAMA) – The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) frigate, HMCS Ottawa, arrived at the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) base in Sepanggar, Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia.
Canada High Commissioner to Malaysia Wayne Robson said the visit of the HMCS Ottawa to Kota Kinabalu highlights the long-standing defence cooperation between the two countries.
He said Canada and Malaysia just celebrated 65 years of official diplomatic relations last year, and the two countries enjoy a robust also expanding defence and security relationship. “The two nations signed a memorandum of understanding on security cooperation in 2013 and regularly collaborate in areas including military capacity building, counterterrorism, and weapons of mass destruction (WMD) threat reduction.
“The RCN will meet with local RMN counterparts and stakeholders to promote collaboration and friendship between our two countries, including an on-board reception, ship tours, a friendly soccer match, and community outreach,” he told reporters at the base yesterday.
Robson said since its deployment in August, HMCS Ottawa has so far visited Japan, the Philippines and Thailand, en route to Malaysia and the ship will remain in the region until November before returning to homeport in December.
“This is the third RCN ship visit to Malaysia in the last seven years. Previous visits by HMCS Winnipeg in January 2016 and September 2022 demonstrate Canada’s ongoing commitment to peace and security in the Indo-Pacific. Canada has also trained over 1,000 Malaysian first responders in how to respond safely to various threats, security incidents, and attacks.
“Apart from that, Canada has also contributed equipment to Malaysian security partners, including two rigid hull fender boats which were delivered to the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency in 2014. As one of four RCN vessels operating in the Indo-Pacific this year, I am proud to play an active role in the region, maintaining a consistent presence to support peace and security,” he said.
Robson also expressed hope that the visit will continue to advance Canada and Malaysia’s shared partnership as the countries build trust and relationships both alongside and at sea.
Meanwhile, HMCS Ottawa Commanding Officer Captain Sam Patchell said the ship is one of 12 Halifax-class frigates of the RCN, equipped with extensive anti-submarine, anti-surface warfare, and anti-air weapons and sensors.
With an embarked air detachment operating a CH-148 Cyclone helicopter, HMCS Ottawa has 250 professional sailors, soldiers and aviators.
“This deployment will take us throughout the region, building relationships with partner nations who believe in a free and open Indo-Pacific. We will be conducting exercises and working with different navies to promote peace and security while building interoperability and trust,” he said.
Earlier, Robson also paid a courtesy call to Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
In a statement, the Chief Minister’s Department said, during the meeting, Hajiji and Robson discussed matters relating to HMCS Ottawa’s visit to Kota Kinabalu, as well as tourism, education and investment opportunities.
“The Chief Minister welcomes the investors from Canada to explore new investment and cooperation opportunities with government-linked companies and the private sector in several economic sectors in Sabah,” it said.
