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BY 6/66

The Ministry of External Affairs, Malaysia, presents its compliments to the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines and has the honour to inform the Department that the Government of Malaysia is aware that the Philippine claim to Sabah has in the past many months affected the brotherly relations existing between the Republic of the Philippines and Malaysia. In view of their mutual desire to strengthen brotherly relations and to establish closer regional co-operation, the Government of Malaysia hereby puts it on record that it has never moved away from the Manila Accord of July 31, 1963 and the Joint Statement accompanying it and reiterates its assurance that it will abide by these agreements, particularly paragraph 12 of said Manila Accord and paragraph 8 of the Joint Statement.

The Malaysian Government has taken note of the declaration of the Government of the Philippines contained in its aide m moire of November 19, 1964.

The Malaysian Government is convinced that with goodwill and sincerity, no obstacles would be insurmountable in the way of establishing cordial and friendly relations between the two countries, so vital for the stability, peace and prosperity in the region of South East Asia.

The Ministry of External Affairs avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines the assurances of its highest consideration.

Kuala Lumpur 7th February, 1966