Malaysia Reaffirms Close Partnership With the Philippines, Supports ASEAN Cooperation and Mindanao Peacebuilding

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 22 – Malaysia has reaffirmed its strong partnership with the Philippines, highlighting ASEAN cooperation, trade and investment, and peacebuilding initiatives in Mindanao as foundational pillars of their bilateral relationship.

Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines Datuk Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino highlighted the enduring relationship during a reception celebrating Malaysia’s 69th National Day in Manila.

In his address, Abdul Malik expressed Malaysia’s full support for the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN Chairship, held under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together,” as the regional bloc transitions toward 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,” Abdul Malik said, noting Malaysia’s alignment with the Philippines’ focus on peace, security, shared prosperity, and popular empowerment.

Addressing international challenges, the ambassador stressed the importance of ASEAN’s role in bolstering regional resilience against global instabilities, including conflicts in West Asia, Palestine, Gaza, and Europe that have led to severe humanitarian crises.

“We hope that all parties involved continue to push for peace and stability through dialogue and mediation in the tradition of ASEAN,” he stated.

Characterizing bilateral ties as deep, practical, and people-centered, Abdul Malik pointed out that high-level engagements between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. have accelerated positive momentum across various sectors, including trade, investment, digital economy, halal cooperation, and education.

The envoy also reiterated Putrajaya’s dedication to facilitating development and long-term stability in Mindanao and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), following its recent elections.

“We believe that lasting peace must be accompanied by economic opportunity, strong institutions and confidence in a better future,” he remarked, adding that stability in Mindanao benefits the broader region.

Referring to global conflicts, Abdul Malik reaffirmed Malaysia’s stance that lasting peace requires justice, adherence to international law, and equal human dignity achieved through diplomacy and peaceful dispute resolution.

–NMT