Malaysia, Philippines to strengthen defense cooperation - Hishammuddin

Malaysia is committed to strengthen its defense cooperation with Philippines due to the importance of promoting peace, security and stability within the region, says Defence minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein.

Hishammuddin in a statement said this matter was discussed with Philippine Secretary of National Defense Voltaire T. Gazmin, today.

His meeting with Gazmin was part of his final stop of his Asean tour where both leaders exchanged views on regional and global security challenges.

“We both commended on the achievements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Malaysia Armed Forces (MAF) in deepening and widening military cooperation through visits of high ranking officers, military education and capacity building, training and exercises, exchange or personnel and exchange of information.

“Acknowledging that military ties are the foundation of defence relationship, we encourage our respective militaries to pursue additional opportunities for engagement in the areas of HADR, maritime security and military medicine, among others,” said Hishammuddin .

Both leaders also agreed on the proposed establishment of Asean peacekeepers under one flag serving the United Nations.

“This commemoration shall reflect the importance and unity of ASEAN in contributing globally as a regional entity,” said Hishammuddin.

Among other matter discussed during the meeting was the serious concern over the violent and terrorist acts by the self declared Islamic State (IS) and other extremist organizations in Iraq and Syria.

Meanwhile, during a courtesy call with Philippine President Benigno Aquino III, they had agreed to enhance bilateral ties, both at government and people-to-people levels.

“The increasing interaction between leaders, officials and Malaysians & Filipinos would deepen our relations in various areas of cooperation,” he said.

During the meeting, Aquino also noted on Malaysia’s constructive role as the Third Party Facilitator, leading the International Monitoring Team (IMT) in Mindanao since 2001.

“The arrival of the new IMT team, the 10th in its series with a new mandate from March 2015 to March 2016 is proof that Malaysia remains committed to finding lasting solutions in Mindanao. Currently the IMT is composed of 16 members from Malaysia, 9 from Brunei, 9 from Indonesia, 2 from Japan and 2 from Norway.

“The team is responsible for issues related to security, socio-economic, civilian protection, and humanitarian rehabilitation development,” said Hishammuddin who also visited the IMT Headquarters in Cotabato City.