Kuala lumpur: Bilateral relations between Malaysia and the Philippines have been described as 'close to excellent,' with both nations continuing to deepen cooperation in regional affairs, as well as in trade and investment. Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro attributed this to the strong relationship between the leaders of both countries - Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Lazaro expressed her views on the sidelines of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. She stated, "I would think that bilateral relations between the Philippines and Malaysia is close to excellent, if I may say so, simply because (of) our two leaders. They know each other and have very good relations."
She highlighted that Manila has always supported Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship, acknowledging its efforts to promote regional stability, inclusive growth, and a unified ASEAN agenda. As the newly appointed Foreign Affairs Secretary effective July 1, Lazaro shared that preparations are underway for the Philippines to assume the ASEAN Chairmanship next year, intent on continuing the good work initiated by Putrajaya in 2025.
Lazaro outlined that the Philippines' priorities during its chairmanship will focus on peace and security, maritime cooperation, and climate change, aligning with Malaysia's current objectives for 2025. She noted that more details will be disclosed when Malaysia officially hands over the chairmanship to the Philippines in the fourth quarter.
Additionally, Lazaro, who succeeded Enrique Manalo following his appointment as the Philippines' Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), held a bilateral meeting with Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan on the sidelines of the AMM. The meeting reviewed progress since the eighth Malaysia-Philippines Joint Commission Meeting held last October.
The 58th AMM, themed 'Inclusivity and Sustainability,' is taking place from July 8 to 11 under Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship 2025. The event gathers about 1,500 delegates from ASEAN and its external partner countries, including foreign ministers, high-ranking diplomats, and senior officials, who are attending 24 ministerial-level meetings over four days. Malaysia has assumed the ASEAN Chairmanship five times since joining the regional bloc.