PASAY CITY --  Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for Asian and Pacific Affairs Neal Imperial met with Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines Norman bin Muhamad on 18 October 2021, and agreed to revitalize bilateral relations across all areas as the pandemic situation improves in Southeast Asia.

The two officials exchanged views and proposals on how to further boost bilateral trade and investment, address the COVID-19 pandemic, and roll out post-pandemic recovery initiatives, including the careful reopening of borders to gradually revitalize business and two-way tourism. 

Despite the effects of the pandemic, Malaysia remains one of the Philippines’ top trading partners and investment sources. Both sides also discussed counterterrorism cooperation, the promotion of moderate Islam in predominantly Muslim areas, as well as Malaysia’s support for the development of Mindanao.

Assistant Secretary Imperial also conveyed the congratulations of the Philippine Government to Malaysia’s newly elected government. He and the Malaysian Ambassador agreed to continue working together to further enhance Philippines-Malaysia bilateral ties, and explore the possibility of reconvening high-level bilateral meetings early next year. (DFA)