To mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and the Philippine, a grand reception was held at the Makati Shangrila Hotel on July 1, 2024. The event, graced by Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad Bin Haji Hasan and Dato' Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino, and their counterpart, Foreign Affairs of the Philippines Secretary Enrique A. Manalo, served as a testament to the strong ties between the two nations.

The celebration brought together an impressive assembly of Philippine cabinet ministers, senior officials from the Philippine government, foreign diplomats, industry leaders, and members of the Malaysian diaspora. This diverse gathering underscored the multifaceted nature of the Malaysia-Philippines relationship, which spans political, economic, and cultural dimensions.

In his speech, the foreign minister of Malaysia, Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad Bin Haji Hasan, emphasized the integrity and resilience of the bilateral relationship between Malaysia and the Philippines. He spoke passionately about the shared history and mutual interests that have bound the two nations together for six decades. The foreign minister also renewed Malaysia's commitment to fostering a common future, especially in light of Malaysia's upcoming ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025. This pledge was a clear signal of Malaysia's dedication to regional cooperation and unity.

Dato' Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino also addressed the attendees, sharing his reflections on the relationship between the two nations: “One of the continuous traits that amaze me is the warmth and happiness of the Filipino people, which resonates with Malaysia. This truly signifies the depth of our relationship, which I hope will continue to grow. Malaysia is always ready to assist and support the Philippines in various strategic sectors important to both our countries. We are excited to explore new cooperative initiatives, especially in areas such as infrastructure development and social funding.”

The highlight of the evening was the unveiling of the official logo commemorating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Secretary Manalo joined the foreign minister on stage to launch the logo, symbolizing the enduring partnership and future aspirations of both countries. The logo, a visual representation of the strong and vibrant relationship, was met with applause from the audience, signifying collective optimism for continued collaboration.

Secretary Manalo echoed the foreign minister’s sentiments, affirming the Philippines' commitment to a shared and prosperous future. He highlighted the significant achievements of the bilateral relationship and expressed confidence in the continued partnership between Malaysia and the Philippines. Secretary Manalo also touched on the broader regional context, underscoring the importance of ASEAN as a platform for cooperation and development.

As both nations look forward to Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, the event underscored the importance of unity and cooperation in navigating the challenges and opportunities ahead.