AFP honors Malaysia’s defense chief

MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) gave a warm welcome and honors to General Tan Sri Zulkifli Zainal Abidin, chief of defense force of the Malaysian Armed Forces, for his dedication in maintaining the strong military ties of the Philippines and Malaysia.

 In a ceremony held last Thursday, AFP chief Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr. expressed his gratitude to Zulkifli, who arrived in Manila on April 10 for a three-day official visit.

 “I am truly honored to have this special opportunity to celebrate the significant contributions of General Zulkifli who has dedicated his time and effort in ensuring that the Philippines and the Malaysian armed forces maintain an enduring and more strengthened relationship,” said Madrigal who hosted a dinner in honor of Zulkifli and his party at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel.

 Zulkifli earlier visited the AFP General Headquarters at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City where he was given full military honors followed by a courtesy call to Madrigal.

 The AFP said the Philippines and Malaysia have an agreement on defense cooperation since 1994.

“Our countries’ enduring friendship that spans more than six decades of bilateral relations has been instrumental in the various engagements and activities that support our mutual security interests,” Madrigal said.

 Zulkifli also received the 2019 Alumni Achievement Award at the Asian Institute of Management in Makati where he holds a Master’s Degree in Management. He was appointed as the 20th Chief of Defense Forces on June 20, 2018 after serving as chief of the Malaysian Army since June 15, 2011.