Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo on Tuesday received his Malaysian counterpart, Zambry Abd Kadir, in an introductory courtesy call that transpired ahead of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's official visit to Manila.
During their meeting, the two foreign affairs ministers noted the strong bilateral trade between the Philippines and Malaysia despite the crisis brought by Covid-19 pandemic, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.
"Malaysia continues to be one of the Philippines' top trade partners. I look forward to working closely with Malaysia to intensify economic ties, as well as tourism exchanges, in this period of post-pandemic recovery," Manalo told Zambry.
In 2021, Malaysia ranked as the Philippines' 10th major trading partner, 11th export market and 9th import supplier.
Among the top Philippine exports to Malaysia for 2021 included digital monolithic integrated circuits, semiconductor devices , natural rubber, among others. While top Philippine imports from there included petroleum oil as well as supplies imported on consignment basis for the manufacture of semiconductor devices and palm oil.
In their dialogue, Manalo and Zambry also hoped to enhance security cooperation between the two countries and promote peace and stability in Southeast Asia, including through the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).
"They likewise exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual concern. Both sides looked forward to the reconvening of the Joint Commission Meeting to build on existing and explore new areas of cooperation, and to the official visit of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar as an impetus to reinvigorate bilateral ties," the DFA said.