Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia Reaffirm Commitment To Address Transnational Threats

KUALA LUMPUR, June 23 (Bernama) -- Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines have reaffirmed their commitment to effectively address existing and emerging transnational challenges and threats that have the potential to undermine the stability and well-being of countries in the region. The three countries would also look into enhancing cooperation in addressing the common threats of terrorism and violent extremism confronting the region. These points were contained in a joint statement made available by the Malaysian Foreign Ministry following a trilateral meeting of the foreign affairs ministers of Malaysia and Indonesia, as well as the foreign affairs secretary of the Philippines in Manila on Thursday. The meeting was attended by Malaysian Foreign Affairs Minister Anifah Aman, Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi and the Philippines’ Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter S. Cayetano. “The ministers raised concern over the recent incidents of terrorism and violent extremism in their countries, and reaffirmed their desire to work together to jointly develop and implement counter-terrorism measures and strategies,” the statement said. It said that the ministers deliberated and agreed to ask their senior officials to consider the proposed Plan of Action, which includes promoting social and economic development particularly in adjoining areas of the three countries and stopping the flow of terrorist financing. The Plan of Action, which would need to be reported in the next meeting slated to be held in Indonesia in October this year, also includes enhancing effort and cooperation in addressing the root causes and underlying conditions of extremism including but not limited to poverty, narcotics or illegal drugs, crime and social injustice. In addition, the ministers reiterated their shared view that success in effectively addressing transnational threats could only be achieved through the proper development of strategies and cooperation in security and intelligence on a regional scale. -- BERNAMA