Press Release

OFFICIAL VISIT OF THE PRIME MINISTER OF MALAYSIA

TUN DR. MAHATHIR MOHAMAD TO THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

6 AND 7 MARCH 2019

Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad will undertake an official visit to the Republic of the Philippines on 6 and 7 March 2019, with the theme “Partners for Progress, Brothers for Peace”. The visit is part of his introductory visit to neighbouring Southeast Asian countries since his resumption in office as the Prime Minister of Malaysia on 10 May 2018. The Prime Minister and spouse, Tun Dr. Siti Hasmah Hj. Mohd Ali will be accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dato’ Saifuddin Abdullah and senior Government officials.

During his visit, the Prime Minister will be meeting his counterpart, the President of the Republic of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, followed by an official dinner. The Prime Minister is also scheduled to meet the Malaysian diaspora in the Philippines.

The visit will provide opportunities for both leaders to further strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries. It would also allow Malaysia to highlight the Government’s current policies and its stand particularly on issues of mutual concern. Furthermore, both leaders would have the opportunity to exchange views on regional and global issues that are of common interest. The visit is also expected to add momentum after the Philippines held its plebiscite on the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) on 21 January and 6 February 2019. Malaysia has been a staunch supporter of the Mindanao Peace Process and is honoured to play a constructive role as the Third Party Facilitator in the Peace Process to ensure greater safety and stability in the Philippines and the region.

On economic cooperation, Malaysia’s total trade with the Philippines in 2018 recorded a significant growth of 8.8% amounting to USD 6.45 billion from USD 5.93 billion in 2017. Exports grew by 8.4% to USD 4.19 billion, while imports expanded by 8.7% to USD 2.27 billion in 2018. The Philippines is Malaysia’s fourth largest trading partner among ASEAN countries, and fifteenth largest trading partner in the world.

PUTRAJAYA

5 March 2019