MALAYSIA, PHILIPPINES MEET IN MANILA FOR JOINT COMMISSION MEETING

KUALA LUMPUR, April 13 (Bernama) -- Malaysia and the Philippines will review
cooperation and identify areas for broader bilateral collaboration during their
Seventh Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) in Manila, beginning Thursday.

In a statement here Wednesday, the foreign ministry said issues that would
be discussed pertained to cooperation in the fields of political and security,
economy, agriculture, tourism, education, health, information, communication and
culture, air services and consular matters.

Foreign Minister Anifah Aman will lead the Malaysian delegation at the
meeting, while the host will be led by Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Albert F.
Del Rosario.

Rosario was on an introductory visit to Malaysia from March 31 to April 1.

On bilateral trade, Wisma Putra said Malaysia and the Philippines had
enjoyed many years of beneficial economy and expanding trade relations.

Total bilateral trade increased from US$3.38 billion in 2009 to US$6.62
billion last year.

Also, as the Philippines' close neighbour and fellow member of Asean,
Malaysia has been actively engaged in ongoing efforts to bring peace to the
Southern Philipines, in consultation with the Philippine Government and the Moro
Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), as well as other parties.

"Malaysia is currently the Third Party Facilitator in the Peace Process
between the Philippine Government and MILF.

"Malaysia has also been leading the International Monitoring Team in
Mindanao since it was first deployed in 2004," said Wisma Putra (Foreign
Ministry).

The JCM between both countries was established in 1993. The sixth JCM was
held in Kuala Lumpur on April 28, 2006.