Daven Tamayo

PH, Malaysia push deeper security, economic ties at 9th Joint Commission Meeting

Article (news)

Zen Hernandez

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — The Philippines and Malaysia agreed to deepen cooperation on security, trade, migrant worker protection and other key areas as the two neighbors convened their 9th Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) in Manila on Tuesday.Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Malaysian Foreign Minister Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad Bin Haji Hasan co-chaired the meeting, the second JCM in two years following a 13-year hiatus in the bilateral mechanism.“Marking our second meeting in two years, this milestone reflects a renewed momentum in bilateral relations following a thirteen-year hiatus since the Seventh JCM in 2011,” Lazaro said.Lazaro acknowledged Malaysia’s “invaluable support” in advancing peace in Mindanao and its continued extension of goodwill in the Bangsamoro.Malaysia, which serves as third-party facilitator in the Mindanao peace process, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting lasting peace and development in the region.“Malaysia remains committed to supporting lasting peace, stability and inclusive development in Mindanao,” Hasan said.He also offered to share Malaysia’s experience in the halal economy and Islamic finance to support socioeconomic development in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.On defense and security, the two sides noted growing ties between the armed forces and ongoing efforts to promote camaraderie among soldiers, sailors and airmen.They also highlighted the Trilateral Cooperative Arrangement (TCA) among the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia, which marks its 10th anniversary this year and, according to Lazaro, has “hugely contributed to the security and stability in the common area of operations of the TCA.”The two countries also reaffirmed their commitment to law enforcement cooperation through targeted capacity building, technical development, technology transfer and expanded intelligence exchanges. Both sides acknowledged the importance of proposed agreements on combating transnational crimes and illicit drug trafficking.Lazaro and Hasan also exchanged views on regional and international developments, including the South China Sea, Myanmar, the Cambodia-Thailand border issue and the Middle East.On the South China Sea, Lazaro said the two sides shared their perspectives on “continuing concerns about illegal and coercive actions that infringe upon the rights and entitlements of coastal states,” while underscoring the importance of self-restraint and adherence to international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).They also welcomed progress in negotiations for a Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea, with Malaysia serving as co-chair of the negotiations with China.“The Philippines urges all parties to maintain the momentum brought about by the monthly frequency of meetings and advance further the in-depth discussions on the remaining sensitive issues,” Lazaro said.“We remain optimistic about the conclusion of the negotiations within the year.”Lazaro said both countries remained committed to adherence to international law and the rules-based order, effective diplomacy and stronger platforms for engagement.“We look to apply these principles to global concerns, as well as to unresolved bilateral issues between the Philippines and Malaysia,” Lazaro said.She did not specify the unresolved bilateral issues, but the Philippines and Malaysia have a longstanding territorial dispute over Sabah and overlapping maritime claims in the South China Sea.On social security and labor cooperation, Lazaro said the two ministers discussed Malaysian labor policies and explored ways to strengthen social protections for migrant workers, including Filipinos “who live, work, and contribute meaningfully to the Malaysian economy and society.”Economic cooperation also figured prominently in the meeting, with Hasan saying bilateral trade reached $4.21 billion in 2025, up 9.2 percent.“This is a good sign. I think we should look for 10 billion trade for the next two years,” Hasan said. “We should trade more in the ASEAN countries.”Both sides also agreed to expand cooperation in the digital economy and artificial intelligence, food and energy security, agriculture, tourism and culture, connectivity, and higher education.Hasan said closer cooperation in agriculture and food supply chains could strengthen ASEAN resilience and intra-regional trade. He also pledged Malaysia’s support for the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN chairship, particularly in advancing economic integration and regional peace and stability.

The Philippines and Malaysia agreed to deepen cooperation on security, trade, migrant worker protection and other key areas as the two neighbors convened their 9th Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) in Manila on Tuesday.

The Philippines and Malaysia agreed to deepen cooperation on security, trade, migrant worker protection and other key areas as the two neighbors convened their 9th Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) in Manila on Tuesday.