PUTRAJAYA, Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr has invited Malaysian companies to participate in various economic activities in the Southern Philippines. The Foreign Ministry in a statement said the invitation was made during Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan's courtesy call on Marcos in conjunction with his official visit to the Philippines on Monday. Among the key points discussed by Mohamad and Marcos was the positive development in Southern Philippines. 'Given the region's vast potential, the President invited Malaysian companies to participate in various economic activities to promote socio-economic development in the Southern Philippines,' it read. The visit also coincided with the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and the Philippines. During the visit, Mohamad also met with his counterpart, Enrique A. Manalo where both sides have underlined the importance of further strengthening bilateral cooperation, especially in trade, investment, t he halal industry, Islamic finance and food security. They also deliberated on regional and international issues of shared interest, emphasising the need for ASEAN to be united in addressing regional issues, and the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire in Palestine, according to the statement. The Philippines also gave its assurance to render full cooperation during Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025. The Foreign Minister reiterated Malaysia's commitment to supporting the socio-economic development of the Bangsamoro through various capacity-building programmes, including the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP). A reception to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations was also held, with both the Foreign Minister and Secretary of Foreign Affairs as the guests of honour. The reception was attended by Philippine Cabinet Ministers, senior officials from the Government of the Philippines, foreign diplomats, business leaders and the Malaysian diaspora. So urce: BERNAMA News Agency