ANWAR Ibrahim will undertake an official visit to the Philippines from March 1 to 2, his maiden visit to the Southeast Asian country after being sworn in as the 10th prime minister.

According to a Foreign Ministry statement, Anwar will meet Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and they are expected to hold bilateral talks on security cooperation, and collaborations in the halal industry collaboration and digital economy. 

Both sides will also exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.

“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 interests, increased political and economic cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges,” the statement said.

Anwar will also deliver a public lecture titled “30 Years After Asian Renaissance: Strategic Takeaways for Asean” at the University of Philippines and hold an engagement session with the Malaysian diaspora in the Philippines.

During the visit, he will be accompanied by his wife Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Foreign Minister Zambry Abd Kadir, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister Ewon Benedick, and officials from the relevant ministries and agencies.

In 2022, the Philippines was Malaysia’s 15th largest trading partner globally and the fifth largest among Asean member states, with total trade amounting to US$9.42 billion (RM41.45 billion), an increase of 20.1% compared to the recorded value in 2021. – Bernama, February 28, 2023.