The Malaysia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) on Tuesday confirmed that their Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will be making a two-day visit in the Philippines this week.
In a statement, the MFA said Anwar will be coming to the country on March 1 and 2 for the first time since he was sworn in as Malaysia's 10th prime minister in November 2022.
Press Release: Official Visit of the Prime Minister of Malaysia YAB Dato’ Seri @anwaribrahim to the Republic of the Philippines, 1 - 2 March 2023 pic.twitter.com/v1CcGcaME0
— Wisma Putra (@MalaysiaMFA) February 28, 2023
Anwar will meet with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday at the Malacañang Palace to discuss bilateral matters such as security cooperation, halal industry collaboration, and digital economy cooperation.
"Both sides will also be exchanging views on regional and international issues of mutual interest," the statement read.
"The visit reflects the importance of good ties between Malaysia and the Philippines as close neighbors and partners in ASEAN. It will provide an excellent opportunity for both sides to advance the partnership for progress, guided by shared interest, increased political and economic cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges," the MFA's statement read.
The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said a dinner banquet will also be held in the Palace in Anwar's honor.
Anwar is also scheduled to deliver a lecture titled "30 Years After Asian Renaissance: Strategic Takeaways for ASEAN" at the University of the Philippines (UP).
The leader will also hold talks with the Malaysian community in the Philippines.
Anwar will be accompanied by several Malaysian officials, including Foreign Affairs Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir, Home Affairs Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, and Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister Ewon Benedick.
The ministry also noted that the Philippines was Malaysia's 15th largest trading partner globally and the 5th largest among member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), with total trade amounting to 41.45 billion Malaysian ringgit (P511 billion).
Anwar is the first head of government visiting the Philippines under the Marcos Jr. administration.
