PH, Malaysian armies renew cooperation

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 29, 2022): PH, Malaysian armies renew cooperation (By Priam Nepomuceno)

RENEWED COOPERATION. Commanding General of the Philippine Army Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. (right) and Malaysian Chief of Army Gen. Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Zamrose Bin Mohd Zain show copies of the renewed Terms of Reference between the two armies at the Philippine Army headquarters in Fort Andres Bonifacio on April 28, 2022. Ties between the Philippine Army and its Malaysian counterpart go back to September 1994 when the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding on Defense Cooperation. (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Army)

The Philippine Army and the Malaysian Army renewed the terms of reference (TOR) for their cooperation, reaffirming the strong bond between the two countries.

“Our converging security interests, our shared sense of Asean identity, and our common vision of a more stable and peaceful Southeast Asia are the pillars by which this Terms of Reference stands,” PA chief Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said in a statement Thursday night.

Ties between the Philippine Army and its Malaysian counterpart go back to September 1994 when the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Defense Cooperation.

The Philippines and Malaysia formed the Combined Committee on Defense Cooperation which led to the creation of the Malaysia-Philippine Military Cooperation Working Group and the Malaysia-Philippine Army Working Group.

The TOR, renewed by Brawner and Malaysian Chief of Army Gen. Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Zamrose Bin Mohd Zain at the Philippine Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio last April 28, lays out the groundwork for future bilateral activities between the two armies.

Brawner said the renewal showed the resilient ties between the two armies.

“It also articulates our desire to enhance and complement each others’ military capabilities in specified areas in the spirit of friendship and brotherhood, and lastly, it is a testament to our wavering commitment to promoting regional peace and stability consistent with the Asean Charter,” Brawner said.

The Malaysian military official is in the country to attend the 2022 edition of the Asian Defense and Security, the Philippines’ biennial flagship defense and security exhibition which started in 2014.

Brawner also awarded the "Combat Kagitingan Badge" to Zamrose following the TOR renewal.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173264