PH, Malaysia boost defense ties

The Philippines and Malaysia reaffirmed their commitment to bolstering defense relations and security cooperation, with a focus on maritime security and counter-terrorism.

Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Malaysian Defense Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin met on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) Retreat.

Both nations committed to strengthening capacity-building programs, including in cybersecurity, to improve resilience against malign influence and interference.

Teodoro highlighted the importance of ASEAN member-states reinforcing their ties for regional security and stability, emphasizing continued diplomatic and constructive collaboration despite past territorial disputes.

This diplomatic stance comes after Malaysia protested the Philippines' new maritime laws in November last year, claiming encroachment on their territory.