Rizall Hall, Malacañan Palace
March 7, 2019

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte hosted a state banquet at the Rizal Hall in Malacañan Palace in honor of Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad of Malaysia during the latter’s three-day Official Visit to the Philippines.

President Duterte’s toast remarks focused on achieving security, greater progress, and prosperity between the Philippines and Malaysia, as well as across the Southeast Asian region.

This includes the efforts to achieve lasting peace, growth, and stability in Mindanao through the passage of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).  President Duterte extended his gratitude to Prime Minister Mahathir for Malaysia’s vital support in facilitating the peace process.

“The ratification of the Bangsamoro Law this year signals the culmination of the years of painstaking efforts by many stakeholders within our own country and by our friends in the international community — especially Malaysia,” the President said.

The Chief Executive considered the Prime Minister’s Official Visit as an opportunity for both nations to ‘write a new chapter of friendship, amity, and cooperation.’

“With his Official Visit, we see the Philippines and Malaysia continue working together in a broader arena to stand together on many issues of common concern.  With shared values and aspirations, we continue to forge ahead by standing by and with each other,” President Duterte emphasized.

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