Pasay city: Malaysia has expressed its enthusiasm to amplify economic ties with the Philippines, with the aim of boosting bilateral trade to USD10 billion over the next two years, as stated by its visiting foreign minister during a recent engagement.
According to Philippines News Agency, Foreign Minister Dato' Seri Utama Mohamad bin Haji Hasan conveyed this ambition at a press conference after the conclusion of the 9th Philippines-Malaysia Joint Commission Meeting (JCM). He noted the upward trajectory of trade, highlighting that in 2025, trade between the two nations reached USD8.22 billion, with figures from January to May 2026 alone hitting USD4.21 billion.
Minister Hasan emphasized the importance of intra-ASEAN trade, stating, "This is a good sign. I think we should look for USD10 billion trade for the next two years. We should trade more, intra-ASEAN trade is our priority now, Madam Secretary," addressing Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro.
The discussions at the JCM spanned a comprehensive range of topics, including enhancing economic linkages through digital connectivity, digital trade, digital payments, digital skills, and artificial intelligence. The meeting also delved into cooperation in areas such as political, defense and security, trade and investment, agriculture, food security, energy, connectivity, education, and people-to-people ties, while addressing combatting transnational crimes.
Regionally, Malaysia reiterated its commitment to working closely with the Philippines in strengthening intra-ASEAN trade, economic integration, digital economy, food security, supply chain resilience, and promoting regional peace and stability. Minister Hasan stressed the collaborative role both nations play in maintaining ASEAN's unity, resilience, competitiveness, and relevance.
The meeting also tackled regional and international issues, including the situation in Myanmar, Cambodia-Thailand relations, the Middle East, the South China Sea, and the ongoing negotiations of the Code of Conduct. Secretary Lazaro expressed mutual concerns over illegal actions in the South China Sea, advocating for self-restraint and adherence to international law, specifically the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to promoting international law, diplomacy, and building platforms for cooperation and engagement, looking to apply these principles to global concerns and unresolved bilateral issues.
The JCM, established in 1993, serves as the highest bilateral consultation mechanism between the Philippines and Malaysia, with the recent meeting marking the second under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s administration following a decade-long hiatus before the 8th JCM in 2024. This renewed regularity signifies the deep kinship and mutual commitment to sustaining bilateral engagement and exploring new cooperation areas, as highlighted by the DFA.
The Philippines and Malaysia have shared diplomatic relations since May 18, 1964.
