Mohamad Arrives in Manila for Malaysia-Philippines Joint Commission Meeting

MANILA: Foreign Minister, Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan arrived here, last night to lead the Malaysian delegation to the 9th Malaysia-Philippines Joint Commission (JCM) Meeting, today.

Mohamad arrived at approximately 9.40 pm at Ninoy Aquino International Airport ahead of the Ministerial-Level Meeting scheduled to take place at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) this morning.

Upon arrival, he was welcomed by the Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines, Datuk Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino, while the Deputy Secretary General (Bilateral Relations) of Wisma Putra, Datuk Syed Mohamad Hasrin Tengku Hussin and other officials received him at the hotel.

Mohamad will co-chair the meeting with Philippine Foreign Secretary, Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, which will conclude with the signing of the agreed minutes.

The two-day JCM is the highest bilateral mechanism between Malaysia and the Philippines, with the Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) commencing today.

Among the main issues on the agenda are strengthening bilateral trade, driving cross-border investment and enhancing regional economic resilience.

Both ministers are also expected to explore opportunities to expand cooperation in the halal ecosystem and Islamic finance, energy, agriculture and food security, defence and security cooperation, as well as disaster management and emergency response.

BERNAMA