The Philippines is hoping to be in constant communication with Malaysia amid current developments in the region.
President Marcos told Malaysian Foreign Minister Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad Bin Haji Hasan during the latter's courtesy call in Malacañan on Monday, July 1, that the Philippines is looking forward to keeping itself in constant communication with the foreign country on current developments.
In their meeting, the two leaders discussed the bilateral relations between the Philippines and Malaysia and important regional issues.
“Welcome, welcome to the Philippines. Thank you for finding time to visit with us while you are travelling around ASEAN. So, I hope you will have a productive visit,” Marcos told the Malaysian foreign minister.
Diplomatic relations between Malaysia and the Philippines started in 1959 with the establishment of the Philippine legation in Kuala Lumpur. The Philippine legation was formally instituted as a Consulate on May 18, 1964.
On July 25-27, 2023, President Marcos made his state visit to Malaysia and had an audience with His Majesty Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'yatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Al-Musta’in Billah who was then Yang di-Pertuan Agong XVI (King) of Malaysia.
Marcos' state visit came after the visit of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Manila in March last year.
In 2023, the Philippines’ total trade with Malaysia amounted to $8.1 billion. In the same period, the country’s exports to Malaysia were valued at $2.18 billion while imports from Malaysia were estimated at $5.92 billion.
Malaysia ranked as the Philippines’ 9th major trading partner, 11th export market, and 8th import supplier last year.
It also ranked 16th among the Philippines’ top investment partners in 2023, with total approved investments amounting to $13.17 million.