Malaysian Airlines asks for more flights to Manila

The Malaysian government has asked the Philippines to grant its flag carrier more flights to Manila.

During the recently concluded 5th Joint Commission Meeting between Malaysia and the Philippines, Malaysian Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar lauded the Philippine government for undertaking "measures to improve the business environment and to address problems faced by the Malaysian private sector" in the country.

The foreign minister said that the additional flights by wide-bodied airplanes of Malaysian Airlines for the Kuala Lumpur-Manila-Kuala Lumpur route has already been applied for and that he expressed hope the Philippine government will favorably grant this.

He also noted that there is still potential for the expansion of trade and investment between the two countries, particularly through the private sector.

"We also believe on the importance of the continued participation of the private sectors of both countries in trade fairs and exhibitions so as to increase and expand bilateral trade and investment," he said.

Cooperation in the field of agriculture and food security was also enhanced during the joint committee meetings.

The Malaysian government has offered training programs on aquaculture and poultry rearing for participants in the Southern Philippines and has also offered assistance for halal food development.

Foreign Minister Hamid Albar said that the Malaysian government has reaffirmed its commitment to enhance bilateral realtions with the Philippines in all fields.

"The next step is for both sides to ensure that follow-up action is taken to implement the decision reached at this meeting," he said.