Manila: Malaysia is ready to support the Philippines in its trade, energy, and regional integration priorities, said its top diplomat in Manila after witnessing President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. lay down his planned programs for the last two years of his presidency.

According to Philippines News Agency, Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino expressed his satisfaction with Marcos' speech at the Batasan Pambansa. Castelino highlighted the emphasis on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as a key element in Marcos' strategy for enhanced economic integration in Southeast Asia.

"For me, it was an excellent speech, and I'm sure the Filipino community especially will receive it, because there's a lot of programs and projects that are meant to help the economy and also the Filipino community," Castelino stated. He expressed optimism that the initiatives would uplift the country and support intra-ASEAN trade.

When asked about Malaysia's willingness to assist the Philippines in the sectors mentioned by Marcos, Castelino affirmed that Kuala Lumpur, both bilaterally and through ASEAN, would continue to collaborate with the country on mutual interests.

As part of the ASEAN community, Malaysia is working with the Philippines in several areas, including trade, renewables, halal products, education, and health. Castelino emphasized the importance of forging greater ASEAN integration to mitigate regional conflicts, such as the oil crisis, and to strengthen the economies within the bloc.

In his speech, President Marcos highlighted how ASEAN, under the Philippines' chairship, is addressing global uncertainties through initiatives focused on food security, energy, trade, and digitalization. This year, the bloc concluded talks for the landmark Digital Economy Framework, the first worldwide to harmonize digital rules and facilitate cross-border digital transactions in the region.