PHILIPPINE President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on Wednesday discussed with his Malaysian counterpart efforts to boost investment ties and fight transnational crimes.
“As immediate neighbors, the Philippines and Malaysia recognize the importance of maintaining peace and security in our region,” he said in a speech at a ceremony with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar bin Ibrahim at the presidential palace in Manila.
“As such, we agreed to continue our cooperation on political and security matters, rekindling the joint commission meetings and joint initiatives to combat transnational crimes and terrorism,” he added.
The Philippine leader and Mr. Ibrahim agreed to reinvigorate trade and investment exchanges with a special focus on the halal industry, agriculture, food security and the digital economy.
“Our shared historic roots are deep and our cultures enjoy a natural affinity to one another,” Mr. Marcos Jr. said.
The Philippines and Malaysia are founding members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the East Asian Growth Area, which also includes Brunei and Indonesia.
Mr. Marcos Jr. said Mr. Ibrahim and he had committed to supporting peace initiatives in the region. They also backed calls to resolve the situation in Myanmar, which is still under a military dictatorship. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza