Marcos, Malaysia PM Anwar meet in Malacañang for bilateral talks

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim arrived at Malacañang Palace on Wednesday afternoon for a bilateral meeting with President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.

Marcos and Anwar are expected to discuss how to further strengthen political, economic and security ties between their two countries, as well as pressing regional and global issues.

According to Malaysia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Marcos and Anwar will tackle security cooperation, halal industry collaboration, and digital economy cooperation.

The two leaders are expected to issue a joint statement after their meeting.

An official dinner will also take place after the scheduled tête-à-tête.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia said Anwar's visit to the Philippines would reflect the importance of relations between the two countries as close neighbors and partners in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

"It 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," it said.

Anwar will also deliver a public lecture at the University of the Philippines and have an engagement session with the Malaysian diaspora in the Philippines.—VBL, GMA Integrated News