PH, Malaysia enhance defense, economic, cultural ties

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos, Philippine News Agency

ENHANCED TIES. Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo (left) and Malaysian Foreign Minister Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan hold the 8th Philippine-Malaysia Joint Commission Meeting in Kuala Lumpur on Oct. 16, 2024. During the meeting, Manalo and Hasan committed to enhancing the two nations’ defense, economic, and cultural relations. (Photo courtesy of DFA)

MANILA – The Philippines and Malaysia have agreed to further elevate their bilateral ties, particularly in the defense, economic and cultural fields, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Saturday.

DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo and Malaysian Foreign Minister Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan committed to improving the two nations’ people-to-people relations during the 8th Philippine-Malaysian Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) in Kuala Lumpur on Oct. 16.

“At the conclusion of the JCM, both Ministers signed the Minutes of Discussion, which reflect the wide array of issues discussed at the JCM, and provide the framework for follow-up work by agencies of both countries on issues discussed and identified to enhance bilateral cooperation,” the DFA press statement said.

“These issues include defense and law enforcement, economic cooperation, people-to-people exchanges and cultural cooperation.”

Before the holding of the JCM, Manalo had a private meeting with Hasan to discuss regional and international matters of mutual interest.

Manalo also called on Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim after the 8th JCM.

“During the call, the Prime Minister congratulated both sides for successfully concluding the JCM. Secretary Manalo, in turn, congratulated the Prime Minister for Malaysia’s upcoming ASEAN chairship in 2025 and, in this regard, expressed the Philippines’ full support for Malaysia,” the DFA said.

In July, Hasan met with Manalo in Manila to discuss the proposed Philippine-Malaysia agreements, including in sports, cultural cooperation, tourism, higher education, and the development of the Halal industry.

The 8th JCM was convened for the first time since 2011 and came at the heels of several high-level visits between the two countries since 2023.

The Philippines and Malaysia are also celebrating the 60th anniversary of official diplomatic relations this year.