Najib briefed on progress in Mindanao peace talks
THE STAR
Najib greeting Philippines presidential adviser Jesus Dureza (left) in Putrajaya on Monday.
PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has been briefed by Philippines presidential adviser Jesus Dureza on recent talks in the Mindanao peace process.
During the meeting on Monday at the Prime Minister’s office, Dureza updated Najib on developments at the recent meeting between representatives of the Philippines government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Kuala Lumpur.
The meeting is the first round of talks between the two sides since Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte assumed office.
It was held to discuss the implementation of the Mindanao peace agreements.
During his meeting with Dureza, Najib reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to continue its efforts towards peace and security in Mindanao and the wider region.
He also expressed confidence that the Mindanao peace process will move forward under Duterte’s leadership.
Najib also emphasised the importance of economic development in Mindanao to ensure long-lasting stability and the need for regional cooperation in order to address the growing threat of Islamic State (IS), extremist elements, kidnap-for-ransom groups and transnational crime.
Duterte is slated to visit Malaysia in late August.
Malaysia’s Najib Razak welcomes GPH peace panel
Read more at http://www.mb.com.ph/malaysias-najib-razak-welcomes-gph-peace-panel/#3KzDIEaDbtfzE9Cp.99
MANILA — Prime Minister Najib Razak welcomes the representatives of the Philippine government peace panel, led by Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza, at Malaysia’s seat of government in Putrajaya.
Presidential Communications Office Secretary Martin Andanar described the meeting as formal yet cordial.
“The Prime Minister discussed the enormous potential of Mindanao and vowed to work with President Duterte, who hails from Mindanao, to deliver the island’s economic promise,” said Andanar.
“The whole mindset has changed with more than half of the members of the Cabinet coming from Mindanao,” Andanar quoted the Prime Minister as saying.
The Presidential communication chief added, “Secretary Dureza asked to rejuvenate the BIMP-EAGA (Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia- Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area) to open and further the trade between the Philippines and Malaysia.”
During the 30-minute meeting with the GPH peace panel, Prime Minister Najib Razak likewise expressed his grave concern about the stability and security in the region, particularly referring to the kidnapping incidents committed by members the Abu Sayyaf Group who pledge allegiance to the jihadist militant group ISIS.
Security is a shared concern between the two countries and Malaysia’s Prime Minister is proposing the regulation of sealanes, wherein a certain approved sealane can be used to conduct trade and those that are not approved can be deemed as hostile.
On the part of the Philippines, Secretary Dureza said the reason behind President Duterte’s recent visit to Sulu is to order the military to put a final stop to the Abu Sayyaf Group.
“Secretary Dureza assured Prime Minister Najib that the same iron hand will be activated to deal with borders,” said Andanar.
Related to this, Secretary Dureza mentioned the successful launching of the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) in Malaysia.
“Secretary Dureza told the Prime Minister that both panels will meet in Davao and reconstitute the Commission at the end of August,” Andanar said.
Read more at http://www.mb.com.ph/malaysias-najib-razak-welcomes-gph-peace-panel/#3KzDIEaDbtfzE9Cp.99
