Manila: Malaysia’s House Speaker Tan Sri Dato’ (Dr.) Johari Bin Abdul visited the Philippine House of Representatives on Tuesday to enhance interparliamentary relations and cooperation between the two Southeast Asian nations. Speaker Martin Romualdez warmly welcomed his Malaysian counterpart, commending the visit as a ‘concrete manifestation’ of the enduring respect and collaboration between the Philippines and Malaysia as members of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA).

According to Philippines News Agency, Romualdez handed Speaker Johari a copy of House Resolution 2192, which expresses the chamber’s appreciation for the official visit, during the plenary session. He said the visit is also a “reaffirmation to revitalize their desire to work together for the enhancement of their relations, sharing the same vision of achieving peace and economic development.”

“As immediate neighbors, the Philippines and Malaysia recognize the importance of maintaining peace and security in the ASEAN region and agree to continue cooperation on political and security matters,” Romualdez said in the resolution. Romualdez noted other shared efforts between the two nations include cooperation on combating transnational crime and terrorism, and strengthening trade and investment exchanges, particularly in the halal industry, agriculture, food security, and the digital economy.

The resolution noted that in 2023, the Philippines and Malaysia traded goods valued at 36.12 billion Malaysian ringgit (USD7.92 billion), with the Philippines ranking as Malaysia’s 17th largest trading partner globally and fifth among ASEAN member states. The House also expressed its appreciation to Malaysia for its commitment to hosting the 46th AIPA General Assembly in Kuala Lumpur this September. Romualdez has been invited to attend and send a delegation to the assembly.

Malaysia, which assumed the ASEAN chairmanship this year, is expected to further emphasize regional unity and cooperation. “As Malaysia and the Philippines look forward to Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship in 2025 and its hosting of the 46th AIPA General Assembly, these events reinforce the importance of unity and cooperation in navigating the challenges and opportunities ahead,” the resolution read.