MANILA: With the agreement reached between the two leaders, Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr on many issues of mutual concern and interest, a new era of closer relations has begun between the two nations.
The enhanced revitalisation of cooperation between the two countries had been said in a joint press conference held at the Malacanang Palace in conjunction with Prime Minister Anwar two day official visit to the Philippines.
Among the important issues touched by both leaders were on security, trade, tourism and on people to people connections.
Both leaders had emphasized on national and regional security issues with Marcos thanking the roles taken by Malaysia in achieving peace in the southern Philippines.
“We hope Malaysia will continue to contribute to the peace and establishment of the Bangsamoro Automomous Region,” Marcos said.
Meanwhile Prime Minister Anwar highlighted on the need to find solutions in the South China Sea which he considered as a complex issue where a position at multilateral level between ASEAN should be taken to have a comprehensive approach and amicable solution could be achieved on the outstanding problem.
‘I did express my concern about the Myanmar internal conflict where it had affected Malaysia due to the huge number of refugees exceeding 200,000 people now in Malaysia,” Anwar said.
Prime Minister Anwar also mentioned about the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus where he would suggest new areas should be explored on how the Myanmar junta can be persuaded to work and collaborate as a team within ASEAN.
Anwar added, the outstanding issue should be resolved and it cannot be regarded as purely internal as it is affecting the security and welfare of the region.
Both leaders have also spoken on the halal food sector and food security with Anwar hoping trade will further be increased between the two countries.
Anwar’s visit to the Philippines was accompanied by his wife Datuk Seri Dr. Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Foreign Minister, Datuk Seri Dr. Zambry Abdul Kadir, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, officials from relevant ministries and agencies.
Meanwhile today (Thursday) Anwar will be at the University of Philippines to present a lecture besides being conferred an honorary doctorate.
The Prime Minister will also have a dialogue session with the Malaysian diaspora here. – Malaysia World News
