Malaysia employs the defence diplomacy approach through bilateral and multilateral defence cooperation. Bilateralism There are many similarities between Malaysia’s strategic interests and that of the other countries in the region. As such Malaysia’s defence is closely linked to developments in the regional security environment. Any regional geostrategic shifts could impact Malaysia’s defence as any breakout of military conflict, humanitarian disaster or socio-economic problem could spread to Malaysia’s boundaries. The principal aim of defence diplomacy is to maintain good relations with countries in the region especially members of ASEAN and to improve cooperation as a means of ensuring security and stability. Malaysia will also continue to enhance defence diplomacy efforts with extra-regional countries through constructive defence engagements. Among the efforts made to enhance diplomacy is the provision of opportunities for foreign military personnel to attend courses in Malaysia through the Malaysian Defence Cooperation Programme (MDCP). Multilateralism Multilateral defence cooperation is an important principle in establishing and enhancing regional cooperation in the interest of peace and stability. It is now viewed as an important avenue for addressing common issues while promoting transparency in the region. With this in mind Malaysia has adopted multilateral cooperation as an approach that complements existing bilateral arrangements. Within this context Malaysia is committed to its involvement in two existing multilateral forums namely ASEAN and ARF. Malaysia’s involvement in ASEAN and ARF is important as both forums are intended to ensure a peaceful and dynamic Southeast Asia. At the ASEAN level the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting is being enhanced by taking into account other efforts including relations with non-ASEAN MALAYSIA’S NATIONAL DEFENCE POLICY Page 18