The Philippines and Malaysia have reaffirmed their commitment to increase bilateral defence relations, according to a joint statement issued on March 11.

Philippine Secretary of Defence Voltaire Gazmin and Malaysian Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein agreed on a proposal to establish an ASEAN peacekeeping force for missions under the United Nations at their meeting in Manila on March 10, the statement said.

The two ministers reaffirmed the importance of promoting peace, security and stability, maritime security, unimpeded trade and freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Sea.

They stressed the need to settle disputes in the East Sea peacefully in line with international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.-VNA