President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is scheduled to meet with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at Malacañan Palace in Manila on Wednesday.

Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil made the announcement after Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Anwar will embark on an official visit to the Philippines from March 1 to 2.

In a statement, Garafil said Marcos will lead the official welcome ceremony for Anwar at Malacañan Palace on Wednesday.

After the welcome rites, Marcos and Anwar will hold a bilateral meeting to discuss areas of mutual concern, as well as regional and international issues, Garafil said.

“The two leaders will hold a bilateral meeting to discuss areas of mutual concern such as political, security and economic cooperation, as well as people-to-people ties. They are also expected to exchange views on regional and international issues,” she said.

In a separate statement, Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Marcos and Anwar are also set to tackle halal industry collaboration and digital economy cooperation.

Marcos, Garafil said, will also host a dinner banquet for Anwar.

Marcos and Anwar already met in 2018.

In November last year, Marcos had a phone call with Anwar to congratulate the latter with his election win and express his commitment to work with Malaysia as the Southeast Asian region tackles various challenges.

Anwar’s official visit to Manila will be his first as Malaysia’s 10th prime minister.

He is also the first head of government to visit the Philippines under the Marcos administration.

Anwar will be accompanied by officials from Malaysia’s relevant ministries and agencies.

His visit to the Philippines reflects the two nations’ good relations as close neighbors and partners in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (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,” the ministry said.

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 also the third party facilitator in the peace process between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. (PNA)