PETALING JAYA: Johor Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar has received the highest national order of diplomatic merit from Filipino President Rodrigo Duterte, and, in return, he has conferred an award that carries the title Datuk on Duterte.
The conferment of the “The Order of Sikatuna”, took place at Malacañang Palace on Wednesday (July 10) when Sultan Iskandar called on Duterte as part of his visit to the Philippines at the personal invitation of the President.
In a reciprocal gesture, Sultan Ibrahim awarded the “Darjah Sultan Ibrahim Johor Yang Amat Disanjungi Pangkat Pertama Dato' Sri Mulia Sultan Ibrahim Johor”, or SMIJ award, on Duterte.
Sultan Ibrahim, who arrived at Malacañang Palace at 5pm, had earlier signed the official Visitors Book, according to his official Facebook page.
He was received by President Duterte, who also posed for photographs with Sultan Iskandar and later had closed-door discussions lasting nearly an hour.
Sultan Ibrahim and the Johor delegation, comprising several senior state officials, were also feted to a banquet by Duterte.
The President also presented a hand-painted portrait of the Johor ruler to Sultan Ibrahim.
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