Malaysian PM flies to Manila for Bangsamoro deal signing

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday confirmed that Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak will witness the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro on Thursday.

Assistant Secretary Charles Jose, DFA spokesman, said that Razak's "working visit" to the country includes a meeting with President Benigno Aquino III to discuss "matters of mutual concern" between the two nations.

Malaysia has facilitated peace negotiations between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front for 13 years. Kuala Lumpur also played host to the talks.

Razak will fly to Manila amid the ongoing search efforts for the missing Malaysia Airline Flight 370, which he announced on Tuesday to have crashed in the Indian Ocean.

Prime Minister Najib had visited the Philippines in October of 2012 to witness the signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

President Aquino met with Najib again during his two-day visit to Malaysia from February 27 to 28 of this year.