Philippine President’s first visit to Malaysia

First visit: Marcos and araneta-Marcos shortly after arriving in Kuala lumpur for a three-day working visit to Malaysia. — Bernama

PUTRAJAYA: Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has arrived for a state visit to Malaysia, marking his inaugural trip here.Marcos is expected to be received in a state welcoming ceremony at Istana Negara by Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah today. “

Subsequently, President Marcos Jr will have an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, followed by a State Banquet in honour of the President and his delegation,” said a statement from Wisma Putra.Marcos will be accompanied by the First Lady, Louise Araneta-Marcos, with the delegation comprising cabinet secretaries, elected representatives and senior officials of the Philippine government.

The statement said Marcos is also scheduled to meet Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, where both leaders are expected to exchange views on bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest, reported Bernama.

The visit underscores the longstanding friendship and close ties between the two countries as close neighbours and partners in Asean, including through various high-level exchanges such as Anwar’s recent official visit to Manila in March this year.