Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 28) — Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will be in the Philippines on March 1 and 2 for an official trip, Malacañang confirmed on Tuesday.
Anwar will be the first head of government to visit the country since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. took office at the end of June last year.
According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), Marcos will welcome him in Malacañan Palace on Wednesday, where they will hold a bilateral meeting.
The two leaders are expected to discuss political, security, and economic cooperation between the two nations, as well as regional and international issues of mutual concern.
In a statement, the Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said among the more specific areas of partnership to be tackled are the halal industry and digital economy cooperation.
“The visit reflects the importance of good ties between Malaysia and the Philippines as close neighbors and partners in ASEAN,” the ministry said.
“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,” it added.
Marcos is also scheduled to hold a dinner banquet for his Malaysian counterpart.
The MFA said a number of Malaysian officials would join Anwar, including the ministers of foreign affairs, home affairs, and entrepreneur and cooperatives development.
It also said Anwar would deliver a public lecture at the University of the Philippines and engage with the Malaysian community while in Manila.
The upcoming trip will be his maiden visit after being appointed as the 10th prime minister of Malaysia in November 2022.
Prior to that, he went to the country and met with Marcos in 2018 over what the president described as a “casual” dinner.
Marcos earlier called Anwar a “good friend” when he congratulated him for being sworn in as prime minister.
