LTG MIXON'S MEETINGS WITH ARMY CHIEF AND JOINT

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 KUALA LUMPUR 000617 SIPDIS FOR EAP/MTS AND INR E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/28/2019 TAGS: MARR MASS MOPS OVIP PGOV PREL PTER MY SUBJECT: LTG MIXON'S MEETINGS WITH ARMY CHIEF AND JOINT FORCE COMMANDER Classified By: ADCM Matt Matthews for reasons 1.4 b and d. Summary -------------- ¶1. (SBU) USARPAC Commanding General Benjamin Mixon conducted a courtesy calls with Deputy Chief of Army LTG Datuk Zulkifeli bin Mohd Zin and Joint Force Commander LTG Allatif bin Mohamed Noor on July 24, as part of closing activities of the Keris Strike combined exercise with the Malaysian military. Lieutenant General (LTG) Mixon expressed appreciation for Malaysia's efforts in the exercise and urged both generals to continue Malaysia,s peacekeeping efforts in Lebanon, and if possible to expand training with Afghanistan. Zulkifeli expressed appreciation for U.S. military assistance through 1206 programs in Sabah and, on a broader spectrum, for re-engaging with the region. Both Zulkifeli and Allatif stressed that terrorism remained a threat in the region. End Summary Malaysian Generals: "We're happy the U.S. is back" -------------- -------------- ¶2. (C) LTG Mixon, accompanied by DATT and PolMil Officer (notetaker) met on July 24 with Deputy Chief of the Army, LTG Zulkifeli and Joint Force Commander LTG Allatif bin Mohamed Noor and had cordial discussion on a range of bilateral and regional issues. LTG Mixon highlighted a resurgence of U.S. interest in Asia and Southeast Asia in particular, noting our increase in the breadth and depth of our forces stationed in the Pacific theater of operations. LTG Zulkifeli added that he was "happy the U.S. is making a comeback," noting that Malaysia and other countries in the region felt the U.S had disengaged itself over recent years. Peaceful Malaysia, Volatile Region -------------- ¶3. (C) LTG Zulkifli noted that while Malaysia was stable, there were several potential flashpoints among Malaysia's neighbors, the most serous being Southern Thailand and the Southern Philippines. Zulkifeli was positive regarding Malaysia's relationship with the government of Thailand and the Thai military in particular, noting that the militaries on both sides of the border are in constant contact with one another. He was less enthusiastic about the government of the Philippines, expressing frustration with the collapse of last year's talks over Mindanao. (Note: LTG Zulkifeli has experience in both regions. He served as a brigade commander in charge of the military border security with Thailand, and also served with the International Monitoring Team (IMT) in the Southern Philippines for one year. End Note.) Both LTG Zulkifeli and LTG Allatif described the recent bombings in Jakarta as "unfortunate." Sabah: Malaysia's Other Northern Border -------------- ¶4. (C) Zulkifeli stressed the strategic importance of Sabah and said the U.S. military presence in the area effectively blocked the Abu Sayyaf Group from transiting to Kalimantan. LTG Mixon said new U.S.-funded coastal radars and C2 building will help that effort. (Note: The Malaysian armed forces have prioritized security in the tri-border area shared with the Philippines and Indonesia with the establishment of a new Joint Forces Command, which LTG Allatif commands. The Joint Forces Command is responsible for security in the tri-border area of Sabah. The U.S. is assisting, through the 1206 programs, with the provision of coastal radars and related systems, along with training, to strengthen maritime border security in this area of terrorist transit. End Note.) Afghanistan -------------- ¶5. (C) LTG Mixon stressed to both Generals that the key to success with Afghanistan rests not solely with the U.S., but with the ability of the international community as a whole to contribute to the mission. LTG Zulkilfeli noted "we are also worried about Afghanistan," and said his government was considering how it might contribute to its stability. LTG Mixon added that the international community could contribute economically and politically, to which LTG Zulkifeli nodded but did not reply. Both Zulkifeli and Allatif expressed KUALA LUMP 00000617 002 OF 002 worry about developments in Pakistan, and the danger of terrorist and extremist groups re-emerging closer to home in Southeast Asia. ¶6. (U) This message was not cleared by General Mixon,s staff. KEITH