DAVAO CITY – The Malaysian Consulate General in Davao City hopes that the six-decade-long bilateral ties between Malaysia and the Philippines would continue to strengthen.
Malaysian Consul General Deddy Faisal bin Ahmad Salleh noted that Malaysia and the Philippines have a robust diplomatic history with formal ties since 1959.
SALLEH (Ivy Tejano)
He added that this partnership has led to collaboration on various initiatives within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Salleh said Malaysia remains a significant market for Philippine tourism, with 64,422 visitors from Malaysia recorded between January and August 2024, making his country the 10th most important source of international visitors to the Philippines.
“It is a testament to the strong people-to-people connections fostered by years of collaboration. This year, our relationship has further strengthened with the recent visit of the Foreign Minister of Malaysia, Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Hasan, in July,” Salleh said.
The consul general said that the foreign minister took the opportunity to commemorate the six decades of bilateral relations between Malaysia and the Philippines through a gala dinner that members of the Philippine government and other dignitaries attended.
As Malaysia–Philippines celebrated their 60 years of bilateral relations during the 67th National Day of Malaysia held in a hotel here on September 26, Salleh said he hopes to see an even more robust, more profound, and more enduring friendship between the two countries and their people.
“Our bilateral relationship has also been characterized by cooperation and collaboration on regional and international issues, all in the pursuit of a peaceful and prosperous ASEAN community,” he said.
CORPORATE lawyer and businessman Jude Ralph Villacin Yap gifts a token of friendship to Malaysian Consul General Deddy Faisal bin Ahmad Salleh at the Consulate General of Malaysia in Davao City on Wednesday, October 2. (Ivy Tejano)
Salleh said closer ties between the people of the two countries have fostered a stronger camaraderie each year, emphasizing that the spirit of ASEAN solidarity is more crucial than ever as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of an increasingly interconnected world.
The Malaysian Consulate General in Davao City assured that their country remains steadfast in its commitment to regional peace and stability through their active engagements, both within the regional body and with its dialogue partners.
Salleh said this longstanding commitment is rooted in their recognition that shared prosperity is deeply intertwined with collective security and will strengthen it. He commended the warmth and hospitality of Filipinos that made his experience here wonderful.
“Your openness and friendship embody the spirit of love, diplomacy, and unity, where countries come together to build bridges of understanding and work towards common goals,” Salleh said.
Salleh said that everyone grows as individuals and nations through exchanging ideas, sharing experiences, and forging friendships and love. He encouraged the two countries to continue to be each other’s pillars as they strive toward their shared vision of a greater tomorrow.
The Malaysian Consulate General celebrated Malaysia's 67th National Day, known as Hari Merdeka, on August 31, which marks the nation's independence from colonial rule in 1957.
They also commemorate the 61st Malaysia Day on September 16 with lively and colorful celebrations.