M’sia, France to focus on Sulu Waters to thwart IS threat

From the Free Malaysia Today (Sep 2): M’sia, France to focus on Sulu Waters to thwart IS threat

Defence Minister says France’s expertise and experience in maritime issues is a big help as Abu Sayyaf militants, in league with the IS, operate here.

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and France have pledged to share intelligence with the common aim of thwarting the growing threat of militant group Islamic State (IS).

An area of particular focus would be the Sulu Waters where the Abu Sayyaf, another militant group, operate.

Praising France for its expertise and experience in maritime issues, Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein added, “Thus, it is important to have a friend like France to navigate the Sulu Waters together.”

Hishammuddin said the Sulu Waters was of particular interest since the Abu Sayyaf had recently declared its allegiance with the IS. Aby Sayyaf is believed to be based in the Philippines.

“The Sulu Waters must be secured in the event that there should be irresponsible groups (in this case Abu Sayyaf) that look over the waters as Islamic caliphate,” he was quoted as saying by Astro Awani after a four-eyed meeting with his French counterpart, Jean-Yves Le Drian at Wisma Pertahanan, on Tuesday.

The pact to work together is believed to be beneficial to both parties. Le Drian, in reiterating the need to share intelligence, explained that the IS threat was a real and big concern that gave rise to maritime issues such as piracy and terrorism which both countries should take responsibility for.

http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2015/09/02/msia-france-to-focus-on-sulu-waters-to-thwart-is-threat/