21 Jun 2010

NZ, Malaysian troops team up in Afghanistan

2:41 pm on 21 June 2010

Malaysia is making its first deployment to Afghanistan and has chosen to team up with New Zealand forces.

Forty Malaysian medics will join about 110 New Zealand personnel in the Provincial Reconstruction Team in Bamyan province, the sector New Zealand has been responsible for since 2003.

The Malaysian staff will provide a huge boost to New Zealand's four medical staff based there. They will share the camp, accommodation, canteen and logistics such as stores.

Malaysia's defence attache to Wellington, Lieutenant Colonel Ahmad Faiezzelan, says New Zealanders are doing a fine job in Afghanistan.