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Najib walking alongside an honour guard after arriving in Manila

MANILA: Prime Minister Najib Razak pledged Monday to support economic development in the conflict-wracked and impoverished southern Philippines after helping to broker a peace plan with Muslim rebels.

 

Philippine President Benigno Aquino met Najib for one-on-one talks ahead of the planned signing of the peace roadmap with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Manila, a joint statement said after their meeting.

 

"The Malaysian government affirmed its support to the Philippine government's sustained socio-economic programmes, which are designed to foster further economic opportunities and jobs in Mindanao," the statement said.

 

"They also urged Malaysian and other foreign businessmen to consider investing in palm oil, natural rubber, halal industry, infrastructure and other sectors in the region."- AFP