(Eagle News) — President Rodrigo Duterte arrived early Friday morning from his successful two-day official visit in Malaysia and from his brief visit to Thailand where he paid his last respects to the late King Bhumibol Adulyadeh.
The President said he was “glad to be back” from his visit to the two countries.
Duterte met with Prime Minister Najib Razak in Putrajaya, Malaysia where they discussed cooperation to combat terrorism, piracy, and to strengthen peace, investments, and economic cooperation efforts.
“Our discussion focused on the need to further strengthen the Philippines-Malaysia partnership for a safe and secure and stable region,” he said in his arrival speech at the Davao City International Airport.
“As ASEAN brothers and maritime nations, we recognize that cooperation between our countries with other stakeholders is key to ensure that our sea lanes are not used for illegal purposes or criminal activities,” he added.
The President said earlier this year, the Philippines made headway with the signing of the framework for a trilateral arrangement among Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines on immediate measures to address maritime security issues in the region.
“The Philippines has always been, will be unremitting in the efforts to adress criminality on land, at sea, and between borders,” Duterte said.
He said that the pursuit of a just and lasting peace in Mindanao was also a point of discussion with Prime Minister Razak.
Duterte noted that Malaysia will continue to be a partner in the Philippines’ peace efforts, particularly in Mindanao.
“As we proceed with the implementation phase of our peace process, Malaysia will continue to play an important role,” he said. “The Philippines is ready to work with Malaysia and all partners interested in securing for generations of the Mindanaoans and Filipinos a future free from fear and conflict.”
He also invited Malaysian investors to the country.
“My message to business leaders is clear: The Philippine is open for business,” he said. “And we will provide an environment that is conducive for industries to thrive.”
Malaysian business leaders expressed interest in investing in the Philippines in the areas of infrastructure, mass transportation, building of regional centers, joint ventures in agri-business, halal-certified products, and high-value post-processing facilities.
The President said that he was counting on Malaysia for support to achieve a “rule-based and people-centered” ASEAN. The Philippines will be the chair of ASEAN next year, 2017, when the regional bloc will be celebrating its 50th year anniversary.
“My visit to Malaysia showed that there are more areas of mutual interest that will bring our countries closer and make us work for the achievement of common goals,” he said.
He said that he was also “humbled” by the “warm welcome” of the Filipino community in Malaysia.
“I reassured them government will utilize all the resources at its disposal to make our country a safe and prosperous place for them to better appreciate and experience once they finally come home to reunite with their families,” he said.
The President made a brief stop-over in Bangkok, Thailand to pay his last respects to the late Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadeh.
“His Majesty will be remembered by his dedicated efforts to foster goodwill, mutual respect, and friendship between our nations and peoples,” Duterte said.
