Malaysia Reaffirms Close Partnership With Philippines, Supports ASEAN Cooperation
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 22 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has reaffirmed its close partnership with the Philippines, with cooperation in ASEAN, trade and investment, and peacebuilding in Mindanao continuing to serve as key pillars of bilateral relations, Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines Datuk Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino said.
Speaking at a reception marking Malaysia’s 69th National Day in Manila on Monday, he said Malaysia strongly supports the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN Chairship under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together”, particularly as the regional grouping begins implementing the ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future vision.
“This year, the Philippines has taken the helm under the theme ‘Navigating Our Future, together’. We are proud to see our close neighbour carry forward the work of ASEAN at an important moment for the region,” he said, adding that Malaysia supports the Philippines’ focus on peace and security, shared prosperity and the empowerment of our people.
Abdul Malik said ASEAN cooperation was particularly important in strengthening regional resilience amid conflicts and challenges, including developments in West Asia, Palestine and Gaza, as well as Europe, which have caused immense humanitarian suffering and displacement.
“We hope that all parties involved continue to push for peace and stability through dialogue and mediation in the tradition of ASEAN,” he said.
On Malaysia-Philippines ties, he described the relationship as deep, practical and people-centred, underpinned by shared geography, history, culture, family connections and a common interest in maintaining a peaceful and prosperous neighbourhood.
“The close engagement between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has further strengthened the positive momentum in our relations,” he said, noting that cooperation spans trade and investment, the digital economy, education, tourism, halal cooperation, culture, connectivity and people-to-people exchanges.
The ambassador also reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to supporting peace and development in Mindanao and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), congratulating the Philippines and the people of BARMM on the recently concluded election.
“We believe that lasting peace must be accompanied by economic opportunity, strong institutions and confidence in a better future,” he said, stressing that progress in Mindanao contributes to the peace, stability and prosperity of wider region.
Meanwhile the Embassy of Malaysia in Manila said in a statement that the reception brought together senior Philippine government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, business leaders and partners from various sectors, highlighting cooperation in ASEAN, trade and investment, peacebuilding in Mindanao, tourism, education and people-to-people ties.
Referring to Palestine, Abdul Malik said lasting peace must be grounded in justice, respect for international law and the equal dignity of all peoples, while emphasising the importance of dialogue, diplomacy and peaceful settlement of disputes.
He said Malaysia and the Philippines, as close neighbours and fellow ASEAN members, were bound not only by geography but also by shared values, common aspirations and strong people-to-people ties, expressing confidence that the two countries would continue working together towards a more peaceful, prosperous and resilient region.
-- BERNAMA
