KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr during his three-day official visit to the Philippines.
At the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister reaffirmed Malaysia's strong commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation between the two countries, aligning with Malaysia's preparations to assume the Asean chairmanship in 2025.
"We also explored opportunities to boost cooperation in the halal industry, particularly expanding halal certification and exploring new growth opportunities in halal trade, including the halal tourism sector," he said in a social media post Monday (Oct 14).
Additionally, Ahmad Zahid, who chairs the National Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Council, mentioned that their discussions emphasised the importance of TVET in driving economic growth.
He expressed Malaysia's interest in forging closer ties with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) of the Philippines, particularly in sharing expertise and best practices.
The National Disaster Management Committee chairman noted they also discussed the potential for joint training initiatives between the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (Smart) and related agencies in the Philippines to enhance joint response capabilities.
"I also reaffirmed our commitment to providing assistance to the Philippines during disaster situations," he added.
Ahmad Zahid emphasised the shared values and aspirations of both nations, highlighting their mutual commitment to regional stability and prosperity.
"I hold high hopes that this meeting will serve as a foundation for strengthening relations with the Philippines government and pave the way for further cooperation in the future," he concluded. – Bernama
