President Benigno Aquino III personally thanked Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak for his country's help in peace efforts in Mindanao, the Palace said Saturday. “President Aquino told Prime Minister Najib that bringing peace and sustainable economic development to Mindanao is a priority of his administration,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo was quoted as saying in an article posted at Malacanang's Official Gazette website Saturday. Aquino relayed his gratitude during their meeting at the 65th United Nations General Assembly in New York. Malaca?ang said Aquino also briefed Najib on Manila's readiness to resume peace talks with the MILF in October, and reiterated his administration's desire for Malaysia to serve as a facilitator in the peace process. Aquino informed Najib that Manila has already formed its peace panel, saying the government “hopes that the talks could start next month, with the first meeting to be held in the Philippines.” The president conveyed to Malaysia his “clear and complete commitment to the peace process and his determination to realize all our hopes and dreams” for peace in Mindanao, Romulo said. Aquino also assured the Malaysian prime pinister of the Philippine government's continued cooperation in the case of two Malaysians abducted in North Borneo in February this year. “The Anti-Terrorism Council and Philippine security forces are presently verifying if they are still in the area. We hope to work more closely with Malaysia to resolve the case,” Aquino was quoted as saying.
