MANILA: A new era of closer relations has begun between Malaysia and the Philippines as both Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Phillippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr reached wide ranging agreements on many issues of mutual concern.
In a joint press conference at the Malacanang Palace, both leaders agreed to enhance and revitalise cooperation, including people-to-people connections.
From security to trade to tourism, Anwar and Marcos talked about multidimensional levels of relations.
National and regional security was emphasised by both leaders with Marcos thanking Malaysia's role in achieving peace in the southern Phillippines.
"We hope Malaysia will continue to contribute to the peace and establishment of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region," he said.
Anwar also thanked Marcos for his offer of support for efforts to revitalise and upgrade cooperation between both countries.
The prime minister shared Marcos's concerns and highlighted the need to find solutions in the South China Sea and the Myanmar internal conflict.
"I did express my concern about the contentious unresolved Myanmar (developments) affecting Malaysia adversely due to the huge number of refugees exceeding 200,000 people now in Malaysia.
"The president, in his wisdom, has reiterated the need for the (Asean) Five-Point Consensus but I would certainly suggest to explore new areas on how the Myanmar junta can be persuaded to work and collaborate as a team within Asean, and resolve the outstanding issue which cannot be considered as purely internal because it is affecting the security and welfare of the region.
"We did discuss the South China Sea issue and I shared President Marcos's concern that due to the complexity of the issue, we should try and engage and take a position at the multilateral level between Asean so that we have a comprehensive approach and can achieve an amicable solution to this outstanding problem," said Anwar.
Both leaders shared the view that it was necessary to also focus on the halal sector, with Marcos seeing it as another way of tackling food security while Anwar hoped that it would further deepen trade between the two countries.
The leader were speaking at a joint press conference after Anwar called on Marcos at the Malacanang Palace. Also in attendance were Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir and Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
Earlier, Marcos led the official welcome ceremony for Anwar at the palace on the first day of his official two-day visit.
The Negaraku was played, followed by the Philippine national anthem.
A 19-cannon salute sounded before both Anwar and Marcos inspected the Guard of Honour put on by the Philippine army.
The two sides then held a bilateral meeting that culminated in agreements to enhance cooperation of mutual concern, including regional and international issues.
Marcos later hosted a dinner banquet for Anwar.
In November last year, Marcos had a phone call with Anwar to congratulate the latter on his election win and had expressed his desire to work with Malaysia.
Anwar's official visit to Manila is his first as Malaysia's 10th prime minister. Besides Zambry and Saifuddin, Anwar is also accompanied by wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, officials from relevant ministries and agencies.
Tomorrow, all eyes will on Anwar's lecture at the University of Phillipines, where he will also be confered an honorary doctorate.
He will also hold a dialogue with the Malaysian diaspora here.
Anwar's visit to the Philippines reflects the two nations' good relations as close neighbours, partners and as founding fathers of Asean.
"It (Anwar's visit) 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," said Wisma Putra.
The latest security cooperation by the countries witnessed the Philippine Navy and Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi personnel together with the Royal Malaysian Navy rescuing six crew members and 15 passengers of a stranded Philippine vessel in Malaysian waters on Feb 26.
In 2022, Malaysia was the Philippines' 5th top trading partner among Asean member-states and 15th largest trading partner globally.
Since 2001, Malaysia has played an important role as a third party facilitator in the peace process between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.