Admiral Tansri Zulhelmy Bin Ithnain, chief of Malaysia’s Royal Navy, met with vice-admiral Jose Ma Ambrosio Ezpeleta, flag officer in command of the Philippine Navy, during a courtesy call in Manila on Wednesday. He also held talks with the Philippine military chief, General Romeo Brawner Jnr.
The visit “reaffirmed the strong and enduring ties” between the two countries’ naval forces, according to a Philippine Navy’s statement, which said both sides had exchanged views on joint maritime operations, regional security and naval modernisation.
“This engagement underscores the Philippine Navy’s continued commitment to building strong defence partnerships, advancing regional cooperation, and promoting maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region,” the statement said.
The renewed push for naval collaboration comes as both countries face overlapping maritime claims in parts of the South China Sea, even as China’s growing assertiveness in the disputed waterways has fuelled regional unease.
