The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday night said that the upcoming visit of Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim will provide impetus to revitalize Philippine-Malaysian ties.
It came after Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo met with his Malaysian counterpart, Foreign Minister Dato' Seri Diraja Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir, ahead of the prime minister's trip.
Despite the pandemic, the two officials noted that bilateral trade between the two countries remains strong.
Since the world is slowly recovering from the global health emergency, Manalo said he looks forward to working closely with Malaysia to strengthen economic ties and tourism exchanges.
As Southeast Asian neighbors, both sides hope to strengthen security cooperation and promote regional peace and stability, including through the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
They also discussed regional and international issues of mutual concern, according to the DFA.
Meanwhile, Anwar will be in the Philippines from March 1 to 2 to meet with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
This will be his first visit to the country since becoming prime minister in 2022.
Marcos described Anwar as a "good friend" in a statement congratulating the leader last year, adding that he was looking forward to the stability he would "provide Malaysia and the region."
