Manila: Malaysia has conveyed its continued support to the Mindanao peace process ahead of the Sept. 14 parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Visiting Foreign Minister Dato' Seri Utama Mohamad bin Haji Hasan emphasized Malaysia's long-standing cooperation with the Philippines to support peace efforts in the south.

According to Philippines News Agency, Foreign Minister Hasan stated that Malaysia, as a third-party facilitator, remains committed to supporting lasting peace, stability, and inclusive development in Mindanao. He also highlighted Malaysia's readiness to share its experience in areas such as the Halal economy and Islamic finance to support the socioeconomic development of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The Malaysian top diplomat is currently in Manila to co-chair the 9th Philippines-Malaysia Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) with Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro. In this meeting, both officials recognized the upcoming polls as an important milestone in sustaining the peace process's gains through democratic participation, community empowerment, and inclusive development.