Malaysia

Anwar and Marcos Jr discuss strengthening bilateral ties and ASEAN unity

Regional security, economic development and cross-border cooperation among key topics in leaders’ phone conversation

Updated 11 months ago · Published on 09 Sep 2025 8:28AM

Anwar and Marcos Jr discuss strengthening bilateral ties and ASEAN unity
Leaders addressed developments in the Thailand-Cambodia border conflict and the need for joint efforts to support ongoing peace and stability in the region (File Pic) - Sept 9, 2025

PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr held a telephone conversation on Monday to discuss strengthening bilateral ties and enhancing regional cooperation under the ASEAN framework.

In a statement shared via Facebook, Anwar said the leaders exchanged views on regional security, economic development and the importance of unity and cohesion within ASEAN in the face of current geopolitical challenges.

“In today’s phone conversation with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr, we discussed efforts to reinforce bilateral ties and deepen regional collaboration under the ASEAN framework,” Anwar said.

He added that both leaders also addressed developments in the Thailand-Cambodia border conflict and the need for joint efforts to support ongoing peace and stability in the region.

Malaysia is currently chairing ASEAN for 2025 under the theme of “Inclusion and Sustainability”, and is hosting more than 300 meetings, programmes and summits throughout the year.

This is Malaysia’s fifth term as ASEAN Chair, having previously held the role in 1977, 1997, 2005 and 2015. - Sept 9, 2025

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