Marcos greets Malaysian PM Ibrahim

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim —Photo by Tobias Schwarz/Agence France-Presse

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Sunday greeted Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia on the latter’s 77th birthday on Saturday, recalling the friendship that they shared in the years before they became the leaders of their nations.

In a video message posted on YouTube, Marcos said the bond of friendship that they have helped to “make their leadership challenges more bearable.”

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“To my dear friend, Prime Minister Anwar, I am so happy to be able to greet you on your special day. We have known each other for some years now. Even before we assumed our roles as fellow leaders in Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations),” the President said.

Marcos lauded the Malaysian leader’s dedication to being a partner of the Philippines, citing their “shared vision, challenges, and success as a source of inspiration to continue navigating the future” of their respective nations.

“Our friendship has helped make the challenges of leadership more bearable. Sometimes I dare say, even enjoyable. For me, you are more than just a neighbor in Asean, you are a trusted friend with whom I share many fond memories,” he added.

“Your unwavering dedication to Malaysia and our shared vision for the region have been a source of inspiration,” he said.