MANILA -- President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Thursday welcomed
Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad in Malacañang to reaffirm bilateral
relations and boost cooperation in health, education, and anti-terrorism, among
others.
After Duterte and Mahathir met at the Palace Grounds at around 3 p.m.,
the latter proceeded to sign the guest book. The two leaders later met in an
expanded bilateral meeting.
In his welcome statement, Duterte said he was able to share with
Mahathir the strides achieved by the Philippine government towards securing
peace in Mindanao through the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL)
which creates a new Bangsamoro entity.
“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.
Duterte expressed gratitude to Mahathir for Malaysia’s support for the
administration’s Build, Build, Build infrastructure program noting it played a
role in the development of Clark Green City.
He also thanked the Prime Minister for the support showed by Malaysia
in developing Mindanao, which he described as “key for the Philippines and the
BIMP-EAGA sub-region”.
BIMP-EAGA stands for Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines
East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).
“I have personally seen significant headways that spurred and sustained
economic communities in the BIMP-EAGA sub-region through which active
socio-cultural and economic interchange across borders and enhanced cooperation
between customs, immigration, quarantine and security matters,” Duterte said.
Meanwhile, Duterte said that their bilateral meeting focused on matters
of mutual concern, covering our people-to-people ties, including the promotion
of reciprocal tourism, cooperation in health and education, and the protection
and promotion of the welfare of their respective nationals.
Duterte said both countries also reaffirmed commitment to collaborate
in regional and multilateral platforms, particularly within ASEAN to advance
the rule of law in Southeast Asia.
“Freedom of navigation and overflight over the South China Sea, as well
as the peaceful settlement of disputes were also discussed,” Duterte said.
Mahathir, for his part, congratulated Duterte for the ratification of
the BOL and hoped for a smooth transition process into the Bangsamoro Autonomous
Region for Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
“I congratulated President Duterte on the success of the ratification
of the Bangsamoro Organic Law and the appointment of members into the
Bangsamoro Transition Authority. I look forward to the smooth transition of the
ARMM through the interim government of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region for
Muslim Mindanao,” Mahathir said.
Mahathir said that given the developments concerning the BOL, the
Malaysian government, a facilitator in the peace process, will continue to be
of help in the development of Mindanao.
“Given the vast economic potential of this area, I believe with the
establishment of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao or BARMM,
we have to boost economic ties between both countries,” he added.
Mahathir recognized improving economic ties between both countries, and
encouraged private sectors from both countries to venture in new cooperation
and investments.
The Prime Minister also emphasized his commitment to strengthen the
relationship between Malaysia and the Philippines as well as promote the cause
of ASEAN.
Prior to meeting Duterte, Mahatira lead the wreath-laying ceremony in
Rizal Park, Manila.
The 93-year-old Malaysian leader arrived in the Philippines on
Wednesday night.
Mahathir’s two-day state visit reciprocates Duterte’s visit to Malaysia
in July 2018.
This is Mahathir’s first visit to the Philippines since he assumed his
position as Malaysia’s seventh Prime Minister in 2018. He also made bilateral
official visits in 1987 and 1994 during his previous term as Prime Minister. (PNA/By Azer Parrocha )
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