01/03/2023 (New Straits Times), Manila - Malaysia and the Phillippines relations are on a strong footing and the visit of Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, starting today, will take it further forward.

Issues of mutual interest in trade, economic and security areas will be the main focus, according to local media reports.

This follows a statement from the Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) based on the meeting of Malaysia's Foreign Minister, Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir and his Philippines counterpart, Enrique Manalo, late yesterday.

"The DFA said the two leaders had an introductory courtesy call and were pleased to note that their bilateral trade remained strong despite the Covid-19 pandemic," said the Inquirer.

The Manila Times quoted the DFA statement as saying that Manalo remarked that Malaysia continues to be one of the Philippines' top trade partners.

The DFA also said that the two ministers were pleased to note that despite the pandemic, bilateral trade has remained strong.

"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 was quoted as saying by the local daily.

In 2021, Malaysia ranked as the Philippines' 10th major trading partner, 11th export market and 9th import supplier, said the Manila Bulletin.

Among the top Philippine exports to Malaysia for 2021 included digital monolithic integrated circuits, semiconductor devices, and natural rubber, among others.

While top Philippine imports from there included petroleum oil as well as supplies imported on a consignment basis for the manufacture of semiconductor devices and palm oil, said the paper's portal.

As neighbours, Manila and Kuala Lumpur are hopeful of enhancing security cooperation and promoting peace and stability in Southeast Asia, including through the Asean, said the DFA.

The DFA also added that 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 Anwar as an impetus to reinvigorate bilateral ties.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/03/884592/manila-kl-bilateral-ties-set-enter-new-phase