Kuala lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. today discussed efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and enhance regional cooperation under the ASEAN framework. In a Facebook post, Anwar said the telephone conversation also touched on regional security issues, economic development, and the need to strengthen ASEAN's unity and cohesion in facing current geopolitical challenges.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the leaders also addressed developments in the Thailand-Cambodia conflict and the joint efforts required to uphold regional peace and stability. Malaysia is chairing ASEAN this year under the theme Inclusivity and Sustainability and will host more than 300 ASEAN-related meetings, programmes, and summits throughout the year. Malaysia previously chaired ASEAN in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015.