PH, Malaysia discuss defense issues, more security cooperation

The Philippines and Malaysia tackled key defense issues and more security cooperation on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) Retreat in Penang, the Department of National Defense (DND) said Thursday.

In a statement, the DND said Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. met with Malaysian Defense Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin on Wednesday.

“During their discussions, both officials reaffirmed their commitment to bolstering defense relations, particularly in maritime security, counter-terrorism efforts, and capacity-building programs,” the DND statement said.

“They also welcomed cooperation in human capital development, particularly in cybersecurity, to strengthen resilience against malign influence and interference,” it added.

Despite the territorial dispute between the Philippines and Malaysia, Teodoro said the two countries will keep on working together diplomatically and constructively so they can discuss other critical issues.

In November 2024, Malaysia protested the Philippines’ new maritime laws due to their overlapping claims in the South China Sea.

For Teodoro, ASEAN member-states should strengthen their ties to ensure regional security and stability.

Teodoro pointed out the importance of upgrading individual and collective humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) capabilities and capacities of ASEAN.

He also thanked the Malaysian government for responding to the Philippines’ call for assistance during the six typhoons that struck the country in a month last year.

The DND said Khaled Nordin lauded Teodoro’s speech in the ADMM Retreat that ASEAN must remain united and steadfast in its commitment to its independence and strategic autonomy.

“Both officials agreed on the importance of ASEAN nations supporting one another and expressed their commitment to exploring more opportunities for collaboration in the future,” the DND said. — Joviland Rita/RSJ, GMA Integrated News