In a statement, the MFA said Ibrahim will be in the Philippines from March 1 to 2, his “maiden visit to the Philippines after being sworn as the 10th Prime Minister of Malaysia.”
Ibrahim is scheduled to meet President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. where they are expected to “discuss various 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 MFA added.
He will also deliver a public lecture at the University of the Philippines entitled “30 Years After Asian Renaissance: Strategic Takeaways for ASEAN” and will hold an engagement session with the Malaysian diaspora in the Philippines.
“The visit reflects the importance of good ties between Malaysia and the Philippines as close neighbours 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 said.
In 2022, the Philippines ranked 15th as Malaysia’s largest trading partner globally and the fifth among ASEAN member states with total trade amounting to $9.42 billion, over 20 percent higher than in 2021. (SunStar Philippines)