DFA chief to visit Malaysia, Thailand this week

MANILA, Philippines — Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo is set to visit Malaysia and Thailand this week for high-level engagements aimed at strengthening the Philippines' diplomatic and economic ties with its two Southeast Asian neighbors. 

The Philippines' top diplomat will be in Malaysia on Wednesday, October 16, to meet Malaysia's foreign minister and review the progress of the two countries' bilateral cooperation over the past 13 years. 

The so-called joint commission meeting between Manalo and Malaysian Foreign Minister Honourable Dato' Seri Utama Haji Mohamad Bin Haji Hasan — the highest bilateral mechanism between the two countries — includes discussions on issues of mutual interest, including economic, security, and regional matters. 

These talks also aim to take stock of the Philippines and Malaysia's bilateral cooperation, including trade and investment, agriculture, halal industry, tourism, security cooperation and to explore new areas of cooperation of mutual interest. 

Manalo will also attend a diplomatic reception at the Philippine Embassy in Malaysia to celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Malaysia.

The talks follow commitments made by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim during high-level visits in 2023.

Following his visit to Malaysia, Manalo will head to Thailand on October 18 for his first official trip to the country upon the invitation of Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa. 

The visit coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Thailand.

While in Thailand, Manalo will co-chair the 6th Philippines-Thailand Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation, a mechanism established in 1992 to foster cooperation on issues of bilateral and regional concern. 

The meeting will focus on enhancing collaboration in trade, security, and other shared interests, in line with both countries’ goals of promoting regional stability and development.

Manalo's back-to-back visits to Malaysia and Thailand come a week after the conclusion of the ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, where Marcos said over half of the bloc offered support in addressing China's aggression in the South China Sea.

Malaysia is set to lead ASEAN in 2025.