Latest news with #AgriculturalCooperation
Malay Mail
4 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Mohamad Sabu: Malaysia aims to strengthen agricultural ties with Thailand through MoU review
BANGKOK, May 30 — Malaysia is committed to renewing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Agricultural Cooperation with Thailand, said Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu. He stated that the Malaysia-Thailand MoU, which has been in place for over 50 years, requires a comprehensive review and improvement of most of its terms. 'The MoU reflects our shared goals of strengthening bilateral collaboration in areas such as sustainable agriculture, technology transfer, research, and food security. 'We have submitted our latest draft of the MoU to the Thai ministry, and we hope to receive their feedback soon,' he told Bernama on Friday. Earlier, Mohamad, who led the Malaysian delegation on a four-day working visit to Thailand, made a courtesy call on Thailand's Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry, Narumon Pinyosinwat, before both parties held a bilateral meeting. Mohamad noted that Malaysia, aims to achieve a higher self-sufficiency level in agricultural production by 2030. This goal is to be realised through a sustainable, resilient, and technology-driven agro-food industry that prioritises food security. 'Our discussions today reaffirm the strong and enduring partnership between Malaysia and Thailand in the agriculture sector. 'I am encouraged by the shared commitment to deepen our collaboration and address common challenges in food security, sustainable agriculture, and innovation,' he said. He also highlighted that Thailand is Malaysia's main trading partner in the agri-food sector and selected agricultural products. 'Bilateral agricultural trade between Malaysia and Thailand continued to show positive performance in 2024, with the total trade value of agricultural products reaching RM20.96 billion. 'This trade trend highlights the growing potential of food and agricultural product trade and demonstrates significant opportunities for both countries to further elevate the value of agricultural trade,' he added. Later, Mohamad officiated the Malaysian Pavilion at the THAIFEX-Anuga Asia 2025, Asia's premier food and beverage trade show. Approximately 137 Malaysian companies participated in the trade show, held at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani from May 27 to 31. — Bernama
GMA Network
19-05-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
PH, Mongolia agree on English language training, eye agri deal
Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and Mongolian counterpart Battsetseg Batmunkh sign an agreement between the two countries on Monday, May 19, 2025. Michaela Del Callar The Philippines and Mongolia on Monday signed an agreement that will allow Mongolian government officials and youth leaders to study English in the Philippines. Both sides during a bilateral meeting in Manila also welcomed the progress made in the negotiations for an accord on agricultural cooperation amid concerns on global food security. With Mongolia's designation of English as its official second language, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and counterpart Battsetseg Batmunkh had an exchange of notes to conduct a pilot program for Mongolians to study English in the Philippines, which will be organized by the Technical Cooperation Council of the Philippines. "Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to tangible cooperation through joint initiatives focused on English language training for civil servants and youth leaders, particularly in rural areas, with the aim of promoting inclusive capacity building, strengthening mutual understanding, and contributing meaningfully to Mongolia's long-term regional development objectives," according to a joint communique issued after the bilateral meeting. The two ministers also underscored food security as top priorities for the Philippines and Mongolia and underlined their commitment to long-term food security at both regional and global levels under a proposed Memorandum of Understanding on Agricultural Cooperation being hammered out by the two countries. After meeting Manalo, Battsetseg also paid courtesy calls on President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr. and Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero. Reaffirming their shared commitment to peaceful coexistence and mutually beneficial cooperation, Manalo and Battsetseg highlighted common values, such as freedom, democracy, and human rights. They likewise stressed the importance of "an open, inclusive, and rules-based international order grounded in international law, equity, and justice." Manalo said Mongolia has expressed support for the Philippines' efforts towards a peaceful resolution of disputes as both nations stressed that rule of law must prevail in the face of evolving security challenges in the Indo-Pacific. In their joint press conference, Manalo said he and Battsetseg 'emphasized the importance of adherence to the United Nations Charter' and reaffirmed commitment to the Manila Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of Disputes.' 'Beyond our economic ties, the Philippines and Mongolia are Asian democracies bound by shared values of freedom, human rights, and the rule of law. In this context, we reaffirmed our shared interest in the evolving Indo-Pacific landscape and in defending the rules-based international order,' Manalo said. The 1982 accord calls on all nations to resolve disputes without threat, harassment or use of force. Noting that the Philippines and Mongolia are two of the world's fastest-growing economies, the two diplomats agreed to bolster trade and investment by expanding economic cooperation in several areas. Sharing a vision of a nuclear weapons-free world, Manalo and Battsetseg said nuclear weapons-free zones "are vital confidence-building measures that advance regional security and global disarmament goals." They vowed to continue cooperation on promoting nuclear weapons-free zones in the context of the review process of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). The two officials stressed the need to strengthen cooperation on tourism, educational and labor exchange and outsourcing, culture and sports, science, technology and innovation (STI), disaster risk reduction, defense, counterterrorism, air services, and countering transnational crime. Battsetseg, meanwhile, pledged to promote the welfare of around 500 Filipino workers in Mongolia as she and Manalo explored talks for a bilateral labor agreement. — BM, GMA Integrated News
