DFA Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo Leads Philippine Delegation to the 8th Philippines-Malaysia Joint Commission Meeting

MANILA 19 October 2024 - DFA Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo led the Philippine delegation to the 8th Philippines-Malaysia Joint Commission Meeting (JCM), which was convened by Malaysia and held in Kuala Lumpur on 16 October 2024. It was the first JCM since 2011 and also came at the heels of several high-level visits between both countries since 2023. The Philippines and Malaysia are also celebrating this year the 60th anniversary of official diplomatic relations. The Malaysian delegation was led by Malaysian Minister for Foreign Affairs Dato' Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan. 

At the conclusion of the JCM, both Ministers signed the Minutes of Discussion, which reflect the wide array of issues discussed at the JCM, and provide the framework for follow-up work by agencies of both countries  on issues discussed and identified to enhance bilateral cooperation. These issues include defense and law enforcement, economic cooperation, people-to-people exchanges and cultural cooperation. Prior to the JCM, Secretary Manalo privately met with Foreign Minister Hasan to discuss regional and international matters of mutual interest.   

After the JCM, Secretary Manalo called on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. During the call, the Prime Minister congratulated both sides for successfully concluding the JCM. Secretary Manalo in turn congratulated the Prime Minister for Malaysia’s upcoming ASEAN chairship in 2025 and in this regard expressed the Philippines’ full support for Malaysia. END