MANILA – The upcoming visit of Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim will serve as an impetus to reinvigorate Philippine-Malaysian ties, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Tuesday night.
The statement came after the meeting between Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and his Malaysian counterpart Foreign Minister Dato’ Seri Diraja Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir ahead of the prime minister's trip.
“Both sides looked forward to the reconvening of the Joint Commission Meeting to build on existing and explore new areas of cooperation, and to the official visit of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar as an impetus to reinvigorate bilateral ties,” the DFA said.
The two officials took note that bilateral trade remains strong between the two nations despite the pandemic.
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Manalo said he looked forward to working closely with Malaysia to intensify economic ties, as well as tourism exchanges as the world slowly recovers from the global health emergency.
As neighbors in Southeast Asia, both sides also hope to enhance security cooperation and promote peace and stability in the region, including through the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
They also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual concern, the DFA said.
Anwar is visiting the Philippines from March 1 to 2 and will be meeting with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
This will be his first trip to the country since he was appointed as prime minister in 2022.
In a statement congratulating the leader last year, Marcos described Anwar as his “good friend,” adding that he looked forward to the stability he would “provide Malaysia and the region.” (PNA)