SINGAPORE, June 7 (Xinhuanet) -- Defense Ministers from the Five Power Defense Arrangements (FPDA) countries on Monday agreed to expand cooperation to deal with non-conventional security threats.

    Speaking in a statement by the defense ministers of the five FPDA countries, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand and Britain, said that they endorsed a set of proposals for greater cooperation to tackle non-conventional security threats such as maritime terrorism.

    The ministers also agreed that the FPDA should incorporate non-conventional threat scenarios such as maritime security serials inscheduled FPDA exercises, and conduct additional exercises focusedon maritime security, with the gradual inclusion of non-military agencies in such exercises.

    To further enhance cooperation in this area, regular intelligence exchanges on terrorism and other common security issues will be initiated. Enditem