The Strengthening of Bilateral Cooperation Between Malaysia and the Philippines
During a recent three-day official visit to the Philippines, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi met with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr to discuss and reaffirm Malaysia’s strong commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation between the two countries. This meeting comes at a crucial time as Malaysia prepares to assume the chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025.
Exploring Opportunities in the Halal Industry
- Ahmad Zahid highlighted the potential for cooperation in the halal industry, focusing on expanding halal certification and exploring new growth opportunities in halal trade, including the halal tourism sector.
Emphasizing the Importance of TVET
- As the chair of the National Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Council, Ahmad Zahid underscored the importance of TVET in driving economic growth.
- He expressed Malaysia’s interest in forging closer ties with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) of the Philippines to share expertise and best practices.
Joint Training Initiatives for Disaster Response
- The discussions also touched upon the potential for joint training initiatives between the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (Smart) and related agencies in the Philippines to enhance joint response capabilities.
- Ahmad Zahid reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to providing assistance to the Philippines during disaster situations.
Mutual Commitment to Regional Stability and Prosperity
- Ahmad Zahid emphasized the shared values and aspirations of both Malaysia and the Philippines, highlighting their mutual commitment to regional stability and prosperity.
- He expressed high hopes that the meeting would serve as a foundation for strengthening relations with the Philippines government and pave the way for further cooperation in the future.
Conclusion
The official visit of Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to the Philippines marks a significant step towards enhancing bilateral cooperation between Malaysia and the Philippines. Through discussions on the halal industry, TVET, and disaster response, both countries have laid the foundation for stronger ties and future collaborations.
FAQs
What were the key areas of discussion during the meeting between Ahmad Zahid and President Marcos Jr?
The key areas of discussion included cooperation in the halal industry, the importance of TVET, joint training initiatives for disaster response, and mutual commitment to regional stability and prosperity.
How does Malaysia plan to enhance bilateral cooperation with the Philippines in the future?
Malaysia aims to strengthen relations with the Philippines government through collaboration in various sectors such as the halal industry, TVET, and disaster response. This visit serves as a foundation for future cooperation between the two countries.