Secretary Manalo, Malaysian Foreign Minister Discuss Bilateral Cooperation Ahead of Malaysian Prime Minister’s Official Visit to PH

Malaysian Foreign Minister Dato’ Seri Diraja Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir made an introductory call on Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo ahead of the official visit of Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim to the Philippines on 1-2 March 2023. They discussed the state of Philippines-Malaysia relations and looked forward to enhancing cooperation both bilaterally and within the context of ASEAN.

PASAY CITY, 28 February 2023 – Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo today received Malaysian Foreign Minister Dato’ Seri Diraja Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir in an introductory courtesy call ahead of the official visit of Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim to the Philippines on 01-02 March 2023.

The two Ministers were pleased to note that despite the pandemic, bilateral trade has remained strong. Secretary Manalo said “Malaysia continues to be one of the Philippines’ top trade partners. I look forward to working closely with Malaysia to intensify economic ties, as well as tourism exchanges, in this period of post-pandemic recovery.”

As neighbors in ASEAN, both sides hoped to enhance security cooperation and promote peace and stability in Southeast Asia, including through ASEAN.  

They likewise exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual concern. 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. END