22 January 2004 - Foreign Affairs Secretary Delia Domingo Albert described as “fruitful” the brief visit last Tuesday, 20 January to Manila of Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. 
 
“The visit of Prime Minister Badawi was part of a series of visits to ASEAN countries which is traditionally made by a new ASEAN leader.  Although the visit was short, the discussions between the leaders resulted in significant gains for both countries.  It was a brief but very fruitful visit,” Secretary Albert said.

The Secretary said that she witnessed the strong personal commitment of both leaders to move relations forward. “President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo warmly received Prime Minister Badawi and their meeting was characterized by a sincere desire to boost our relations and address vital issues of mutual concern,”
Secretary Albert added.  “The discussions focused on increasing trade and investments and on our common desire to achieve peace in the Southern Philippines,” the Secretary said.

One of the most important issues discussed was Malaysia’s continuing commitment to assist the government in finding a just and durable peace in the Southern Philippines. The exploratory talks in Kuala Lumpur between the government peace panel and MILF leaders are expected to pave the way for the dispatch of a monitoring team.  Malaysia would also give the peace process a boost by playing a role in capacity-building and strengthening BIMP-EAGA.

The two leaders also discussed ways to increase investments.  The joint oil/gas offshore drilling operations in Mindoro by the Philippine National Oil Company and Malaysia’s Petronas, as well as Malaysia’s assistance in the country’s agri-based development projects, including palm oil and “halal certification standards”, will allow the export of Philippine products to Malaysia’s largely Muslim population.

Secretary Albert also said that the two leaders agreed that the 5th RP-Malaysia Joint Commission Meeting, a mechanism to discuss issues of bilateral concern, would meet in the second half of 2004. - END