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MANILA – Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is slated to discuss a host of issues, including trade, the revitalisation of past joint committees, and cooperation initiatives with the government of the Philippines during his two-day official visit beginning tomorrow.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir said that the prime minister’s arrival in the Philippines will be significant for both nations as Anwar is the first state leader in the world to hold an official visit with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Romualdez Marcos Jr since the latter assumed office in June last year.
“During the visit, the prime minister is also expected to deliver an important lecture titled ‘30 Years After Asian Renaissance: Strategic Takeaways for Asean’, as the prime minister had been on Philippines soil when he held the deputy prime ministerial post (in the 90s) and gave an important speech while the country was celebrating the 100-year anniversary of (national icon) José Rizal’s birth,” Zambry told a press conference here today
He said Anwar is also expected to hold engagements with local industry players and meet the Malaysian diaspora in the Philippines.
He described the official visit as an “introductory” one, in line with the Asean tradition of leaders holding such visits to countries in the region upon taking office.
The foreign minister also said that the visit will build on Malaysia’s past agreements with the Philippines government and find ways to revive dormant joint committees.
They include certain annual consultations between the two countries and several signed agreements that have involved nations as well and are significant for the region.
“These agreements were not merely bilateral in nature but were trilateral as we have other neighbours such as Brunei and Indonesia. We are revisiting these agreements to consolidate existing ones,” he explained.
On bilateral trade, Zambry said there has been positive development over the years and that Malaysia is looking to explore opportunities in information technology, digital economy, and green technology with the Philippines.
Aside from trade and government relations, Zambry said regional security is also a key topic to be addressed during the visit.
“We foresee that (issues such as) the South China Sea will also be discussed so that Asean nations can become a catalyst to retaining stability in the region.
“We also predict that issues involving Myanmar (will be discussed) as the Philippines is an active member of Asean that shares the same stance as Malaysia,” he added.
Anwar is expected to arrive at Villamor Airbase here at around noon tomorrow, before attending his first official programme at Malacanang Palace, the official residence of the president where he will attend an opening ceremony and later have dinner.
On Thursday, the prime minister will deliver his lecture at University of the Philippines where he will also be conferred an honorary doctorate from the institution.
The prime minister’s delegation tomorrow will include Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick, their respective secretaries-general, and Malaysian embassy officials, among others. – The Vibes, February 28, 2023