Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (AFP FILE PHOTO)
MANILA, Philippines – Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and Malaysian Foreign Minister Dato’ Seri Diraja Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir met on Tuesday, ahead of the official visit of Malaysian prime minister Anwar Ibrahim to the Philippines on Wednesday.
In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said that the two leaders had an introductory courtesy call and were pleased to note that their bilateral trade remained strong despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
“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,” Manalo was quoted as saying.
Both countries hoped to bolster security cooperation and promote peace and stability in Southeast Asia.
The two officials also tackled 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 [Ibrahim] as an impetus to reinvigorate bilateral ties,” the DFA said.