President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is grateful to Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad for the invitation to visit Kuala Lumpur and to meet the Prime Minister to discuss matters of mutual interest.
President Duterte and Prime Minister Mohamad renewed and reaffirmed the long-standing brotherhood and friendship between the Philippines and Malaysia.
President Duterte likewise renewed the commitment to further strengthen defense and security cooperation at the bilateral and regional level.
President Duterte pointed out the need to address terrorism and violent extremism in the region, as well as transnational crime such as PIRACY AND ARMED ROBBERY AT SEA AND THE illegal drug trade.
President Duterte expressed appreciation for Malaysia’s sustained support for the quest for just and lasting peace and development in Mindanao.
Both Leaders stressed the importance of working closely together BILATERALLY AND AT ASEAN to achieve shared aspirations of greater peace, progress and prosperity for the Philippines and Malaysia, and greater stability and security in the region.