Duterte, Mahathir renew security, economic cooperation
President Duterte and Malaysia Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad renewed both country’s commitment to work together to strengthen peace and stability in the South East Asian region and discussed extensive economic cooperation.
In a joint press conference following their bilateral meeting, Duterte called Malaysia the Philippines’ partner for progress and brother for peace.
President Duterte said he and Mahathir resolved to ramp up cooperation to address security issues, particularly on terrorism, piracy, and transnational crimes, including the fight against the illegal drug trade.
“I was happy to share with the Prime Minister the great strides we have achieved toward securing just and lasting peace in Mindanao,” he said.
Mahathir lauded President Duterte for his efforts to attain peace in Mindanao, saying the Philippines may have many islands but remains “one nation.”
“We are very gratified to be congratulating you on the peace that has been achieved in Southern Philippines,” the visiting Malaysian leader said at the start of the expanded bilateral meeting at the Palace.
“This is a problem that has lasted, I think, from the Spanish period. But it has taken centuries even for proper conclusion to be achieved. And the conclusion there must be sought of course is that of achieving peace in the nation of the Philippines,” he added.
Duterte noted how Malaysia played a prominent role in achieving the historic Bangsamoro Organic Law. Malaysia is the third-party facilitator for the government’s peace negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
“The road leading to the historic transition to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region was paved in large part by the support of our international partners. Malaysia occupies a prominent role in this roster of friends,” Duterte said.
Mahathir lauded the Bangsamoro Organic Law, saying that the newly established Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) will help boost economic ties between the two countries. He said he is also hoping for the smooth transition of the ARMM to the BARMM.
“I, therefore, assured Mr. President of Malaysia’s desire to continue to be of help in the development of Mindanao,” he added.
Regional concerns
Meanwhile, both leaders also emphasized the importance of maintaining and promoting peace, security, stability, safety and freedom of navigation and overflight over the South China Sea, as well as the peaceful settlement of disputes.
The two also discussed the efforts for peace being exerted by both North and South Korea.
Mahathir said he and Duterte also talked about security matters and renewed Malaysia’s commitment to address terrorism.
“Malaysia is committed to take the necessary steps to address the serious issue of terrorism and violent extremism
through the Trilateral Cooperation Agreement,” he said.
“Under this framework, Malaysia and the Philippines together with Indonesia have agreed to undertake unilateral maritime and air patrols to tackle the growing security challenges,” he added.
Trade cooperation
Meanwhile, both leaders said that further expansion of economic cooperation serves both countries’ mutual interests as that of ASEAN.
“Conscious of [the] synergy and dynamism of our private sectors, our governments have agreed to further enhance trade, investment and infrastructure development,” Duterte said.
Duterte then thanked Mahathir for Malaysia’s robust support for the “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program. This includes Malaysian companies’ active role in the development of the sustainable and smart metropolis of Clark Green City.
He also thanked the Malaysian Prime Minister for their unrelenting support for development in the south, noting that Mindanao’s progress is the key for the Philippines and the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-MalaysiaPhilippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) sub-region.