President Duterte to Visit Malaysia This Month for Maritime Security Discussion

Manila, Philippines, 14 Dzulqa’dah 1437/1 August 2016 (MINA) – President Duterte is slated to visit Malaysia later this month for a maritime security agreement, presidential peace adviser Jesus Dureza said Tuesday.

Dureza was quoted by Philstar as telling a briefing at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport that Duterte is scheduled to meet Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak to discuss the maritime security of both countries.

Dureza said an agreement would be made with the Malaysian government to establish a secure sea lane shared by both countries that would be jointly protected against piracy.

He said they are all set to draft the agreement with “whom we share common boarders – Malaysia, Indonesia… for possible threat from ISIS.”

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Najib has expressed grave concern over the stability and security in the region following the kidnapping activities of the Abu Sayyaf and its allegiance to the ISIS.

Dureza arrived from Malaysia following talks with leaders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front on the implementing phase of the peace agreement signed in 2014.

Malacañang said Duterte would be making the trip to Malaysia as the first leg of his official visit to ASEAN countries next week.

Presidential communications Secretary Martin Andanar said Duterte will have bilateral meetings with Malaysian officials on Aug. 23 to 30.

“Everything is up in the air. Secretary Jess (Dureza) and Sec. Sonny (Dominguez) will convince President Duterte to go to Malaysia and other ASEAN countries before the Laos trip,” Andanar said.

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After Laos, the Philippines will be the host of ASEAN summit next year, which is ASEAN’s 50th anniversary. (T/R07/R01)

Mi’raj Islamic Nws Agency (MINA)