AdminThe iconic Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, shone brightly with the colors of the Philippine and Malaysian flags as the country celebrated the Presidential State Visit of His Excellency President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. from July 25, 2023, to July 27, 2023. The visit aimed to strengthen bilateral ties and promote cooperation between the two Southeast Asian nations.
Community gathering and gratitude
On the first day of his State Visit, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. held a heartwarming community gathering in Kuala Lumpur on July 25, 2023. During the event, he personally expressed the Philippines’ heartfelt gratitude to overseas Filipinos for their significant contributions and unwavering support.
According to Ambassador Charles Jose of the Embassy of the Philippines in Malaysia, approximately 900,000 Filipinos currently reside and work in Malaysia. Their contributions span various sectors, including household services, agriculture, services, and hospitality, playing a crucial role in bolstering the Malaysian economy.
Strengthening bilateral relations
President Marcos Jr. and Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim held a bilateral meeting in Kuala Lumpur on July 26, 2023. Following their productive meeting, the leaders addressed the media in a joint press conference at the Prime Minister’s Office in Putrajaya, affirming the deepened relations between the Philippines and Malaysia.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) emphasized that President Marcos Jr.’s State Visit reciprocated Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s official visit to the Philippines earlier in March. This mutual exchange signified the reintegration of strong ties between the two countries.
Toast for a prosperous future
During a state banquet at the National Palace in Kuala Lumpur on July 26, 2023, President Marcos Jr. raised a toast to the good health and prosperity of His Majesty Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Al-Mustafa’in Billah, Yang di-Pertuan Agong XVI (16th King) of Malaysia, and the enduring friendship between the Philippines and Malaysia.
In his address, the President highlighted the significance of the Philippines and Malaysia’s partnership in facing the challenges of the post-pandemic world. He emphasized the need for both countries to transform and adapt to the changing global landscape, with Malaysia playing a crucial role in the Philippines’ economic transformation.
His Majesty also raised a toast, expressing his wishes for the continued peace and prosperity of the Philippines, and emphasizing the enduring friendship between the two nations.
“As founding members of ASEAN, Malaysia and the Philippines must continue to work closely in promoting the region’s stability, security, and in making ASEAN a dynamic regional organization,” stated the King
Roundtable meeting with Malaysian business leaders
On the final day of his State Visit to Malaysia, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. convened a roundtable meeting with Malaysian business leaders in Kuala Lumpur. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) organized a series of conferences with the Malaysian business community on July 27, 2023.
The event provided an opportunity for the President to present the significant reforms undertaken by the Philippines to create a business-friendly environment and increase trade, investments, and economic opportunities for the Filipino people. Malaysia currently ranks as the 10th largest trading partner of the Philippines and the 22nd largest source of approved investments in 2022.
During the meeting, DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual announced several Letters of Intent (LOI) from Malaysian businesses, expressing their plans for expansion and investments in the Philippines. Additionally, joint undertakings in the form of memoranda of understanding (MOUs) were presented, fostering trade and investment opportunities in agriculture, clean energy sustainability, and regional trade through digital solutions.
The State Visit of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. marked a pivotal moment in strengthening the relationship between the Philippines and Malaysia, with both nations committed to working closely together for mutual prosperity and regional stability.
The illuminating Petronas Towers served as a symbolic reminder of the enduring friendship and cooperation between the two Southeast Asian neighbors.
