President Duterte will push for closer economic and security cooperation between the Philippines and Malaysia when he meets Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak this week.

Malaysia is the Philippines 10th largest trading partner and the second largest investor among all ASEAN countries in the Philippines.

The President is scheduled to travel for Malaysia on November 9 and 10 as part of his introductory visits to countries in Southeast Asia, according to Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose.

Among the issues that the President is expected to tackle with Razak would be the bilateral trade and economic cooperation, Malaysia’s role in the Mindanao peace process, and the intensified defense cooperation against transnational crimes.

“The Philippines looks upon Malaysia, both as a brother nation and as a dependable partner, not only bilaterally but also within the larger context of the BIMP-EAGA (Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area) and our beloved ASEAN Community,” Jose, the incoming Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia told a news conference at the Palace.

“Malaysia has played a constructive role in helping bring peace and stability to Southern Philippines and the two countries are cooperating to confront transnational concerns among other issues,” he added.

He said the Philippines and Malaysia, two founding members of ASEAN, also share a commitment to uphold ASEAN values in the region. “The visit hopes to further deepen Philippine-Malaysia ties for the mutual benefit of the two countries and their people,” he added.

SABAH CLAIM

Malaysia has played facilitator in the peace negotiations between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). A peace accord was sealed in 2014 but a bill seeking to create the Bangsamoro political entity has yet to be passed in Congress.

On security issues, the President earlier said he was amenable to joint military and operations between the Philippines and Malaysia to combat the alarming wave of kidnappings and sea piracy in their common seas.

Jose said the President is also prepared to tackle the country’s claim over Sabah in his meeting with his Malaysian counterpart.

“It may or it may not be raised. But, in any case, if it is raised by either side, I’m sure our President will be prepared to discuss this issue,” he said about the long-standing Sabah claim.

Jose also downplayed any impact of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chairman Nur Misuari’s accusations against Malaysia on the President’s upcoming visit.  Misuari earlier claimed that leaders of Malaysia were involved in some kidnapping incidents in Mindanao, including the Sipadan hostage incident in 2000.

MEET PINOYS

“Nur Misuari does not speak for the government. What he said was his personal opinion, but in any case we note what the Armed Forces of Philippines said that they will look into, into this what Nur Misuari said,” he said.

In his Kuala Lumpur trip, the President will also grab the opportunity to meet with members of the Filipino community in the area. An assembly with overseas Filipino workers has been a staple in Duterte’s schedule during his foreign trips to update them about his programs and policies.

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and several Cabinet members are expected to join the President when he leaves for Malaysia this week.

Source:
courtesy of MANILA BULLETIN

by Genalyn D. Kabiling

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