, Malaysia has placed an order with South Korea for the production of a multipurpose warship that can also be used as a hospital ship, a news report said Sunday (March 11).
The order was made as Malaysia's deputy prime minister Najib Tun Razak, who doubles as defense minister, is visiting Korea's southern port city of Busan as part of an eight-day trip to the country from Thursday, Malaysia's state news agency Bernama said.
Produced by Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction Co., the warship is equipped with state-of-the-art radar and anti-missile weapons. It has the ability to carry 700 passengers in addition to its crew, as well as helicopters, tanks, guns, amphibious vehicles and various other military vehicles.
Najib did not mention the exact price of the warship, Bernama reported.
Malaysia has increased its military spending in recent years to build up its defense capabilities. Most recently, the country purchased US$1 billion worth of Sukhoi 30-MKM fighters from Russia.
Meanwhile, Najib paid a courtesy call on South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun at his office Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul Monday for discussions on closer bilateral ties.
“President Roh asked Deputy Prime Minister Najib to help further expand bilateral relations, and expressed hope that Korea and Malaysia increase practical cooperation in the fields of defense and energy industries,” Cheong Wa Dae said in a statement after the meeting.
“In response, Najib expressed an interest in expanding cooperation with Korea in information technology, culture and tourism,” it said.
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