MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has met with Malaysian Foreign Minister Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad Bin Hasan as part of the celebration of 60 years of bilateral relations between Manila and Kuala Lumpur.
During a courtesy call in Malacanang, Marcos and Mohamad discussed the bilateral relations between the Philippines and Malaysia and other “important regional issues.” according to the Presidential Communications Office.
“Welcome, welcome to the Philippines. Thank you for finding time to visit with us while you are traveling around ASEAN. So, I hope you will have a productive visit,” Marcos told the Malaysian foreign minister.
The Malaysian diplomat said his visit to the Philippines was very long overdue.
“I was supposed to be here during my previous portfolio, which is defense… but I said I must come to visit my friend,” Mohamad said, who previously worked as the defense minister of Malaysia.
President Marcos made his state visit to Malaysia from July 25-27, 2023, during which he had an audience with His Majesty Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’yatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Al-Musta’in Billah, who was then the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong (King) of Malaysia.
Following the courtesy call, Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo also met the Malaysian diplomat to talk about pressing issues concerning the bilateral relations between the Philippines and Malaysia.
“FM Hasan’s visit builds upon the momentum created by the two leaders and is very timely as the two countries enter 60 years of bilateral relations and as both countries continue to expand and deepen their partnership and collaboration,” Manalo said.
Malaysia and the Philippines started their diplomatic relations in 1959 when the Philippine legation opened in Kuala Lumpur. It became a Consulate on May 18, 1964, formalizing their relationship.
