The Philippine Navy (PN) and the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) both committed to promote regional stability and uphold maritime safety.

The two navies made the pledge during the 26th PN-RMN Navy-to-Navy Talks (N2NT) at the Manila Peninsula Hotel in Makati on Wednesday.

“This PN-RMN N2NT was led by the PN Vice Commander, Rear Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta PN and Rear Adm. Farizal Myeor, Asst. Chief of Staff for Operations and Training, RMN, and marked a continued commitment between the two naval forces to enhance maritime security and collaboration in the region,” Navy spokesperson Commander John Percie Alcos said in a statement Thursday.

Originally known as the Malaysia-Philippines (MALPHI) Combined Naval Working Group (CNWG), Alcos said the N2NT has evolved significantly since its inception.

“The PN views the partnership with the RMN as essential in promoting regional stability, ensuring maritime safety, and safeguarding the interests of both nations. With both parties reaffirming their commitment to closer defense relations as these talks are expected to lead to concrete outcomes that will benefit the broader regional maritime community,” Alcos said.

Primarily focused on training exchanges and joint exercises in its early years, the meeting was officially renamed as the N2NT during the 24th CNWG meeting in Manila in 2022 to reflect its expanded scope and strategic relevance. (PNA)