KL, Manila to ink defense pact

KL, Manila to ink defense pact

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Kuala Lumpur and Manila are to sign a bilateral defense pact in September to boost military cooperation and also address piracy in common waters, Malaysia's Defense Minister Najib Tun Razak said yesterday.

Najib, who is to visit the Philippines next month to sign the defense memorandum of understanding, said that the agreement would cover joint army and navy exercises.

Both sides planned to organize coordinated marine patrols as well in their respective waters and exchange information on piracy problems for effective preventive measures, Najib said when opening a national maritime security conference.

Ties between the two countries have been strained for three decades because of the Philippines' claim to the east Malaysian state of Sabah, once ruled by a Filipino sultan who leased the territory to European traders in the 19th century.