PRESIDENT Duterte and Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammad are set to meet once again on Thursday (March 7) to rekindle economic and political ties between two countries.
The 93-year-old leader is on official visit to reciprocate the President’s visit to Malaysia in July 2018.
The two leaders will hold a bilateral meeting in the afternoon in Malacañang to discuss cooperation in different areas and exchange views on topics of mutual interest.
Earlier, Malacañang said it is possible that Duterte may raise the country’s claim to Sabah during the Malaysian leader’s visit.
Prior to the official welcome ceremony, Mahathir will also be participating in a wreath-laying ceremony at Rizal Park in Manila.
In the morning, he will also be attending a business forum in a hotel in Makati. Afterward, he will be paying a courtesy call on Former President and House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III.
After the bilateral meeting, there will also be an exchange of gifts and Duterte will host a state banquet for the Malaysian Prime Minister to cap the visit.
This is Mahathir’s first visit to the Philippines since he assumed his position as the 7th Prime Minister of Malaysia in 2018. During his previous term as Prime Minister, he undertook bilateral official visits in the country in 1987 and 1994.
Image credits: AP