MANILA: (Bernama-PNA) The Department of National Defence (DND) on Thursday (Feb 27) announced that the Philippines and Malaysia have reaffirmed their commitment to bolstering defence relations, the Philippine News Agency reported.
DND spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arsenio Andolong, in a statement, said this took place when Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. met with Malaysian Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin on the sidelines of the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) Retreat held in Penang, Malaysia on Wednesday (Feb 26).
The two officials discussed key defence issues and pledged to enhance security cooperation between the two nations.
"During their discussions, both officials reaffirmed their commitment to bolstering defence relations, particularly in maritime security, counter-terrorism efforts, and capacity-building programmes.
"They also welcomed cooperation in human capital development, particularly in cybersecurity, to strengthen resilience against malign influence and interference," Andolong said.
During the meeting, Teodoro also thanked the Malaysian government for its swift response to the Philippines’ call for assistance during the six consecutive typhoons that struck the country late last year.
"The Philippine defence chief stressed that natural calamities are causing significant displacement, underscoring the urgency of continuously upgrading individual and collective humanitarian assistance and disaster response capabilities and capacities.
"He also highlighted the importance of regional groupings, like Asean, to facilitate rapid response in times of crisis," Andolong added.
Amid territorial disputes between the Philippines and Malaysia, Teodoro emphasised that both nations continue to work together diplomatically and constructively, allowing them to engage in discussions on other critical issues.
The DND chief also reiterated the need to strengthen ties among Asean member states to ensure regional security and stability.
Both defence officials agreed on the importance of Asean nations supporting one another and expressed their commitment to exploring more opportunities for collaboration in the future.
Teodoro also thanked Mohamed Khaled and the Malaysian government for the warm hospitality extended to him and the Philippine delegation.
"He emphasised the directive of Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to fully support Malaysia’s leadership in Asean this year," Andolong said. - Bernama-PNA
