President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Indonesian President Joko Widodo recently held a bilateral meeting in Malacañang to discuss various matters, including defense cooperation and agreements on border cooperation between the Philippines and Indonesia. The leaders acknowledged the importance of complying with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos) in maintaining peace and stability in the oceans and seas, particularly in the South China Sea.
During the meeting, President Marcos Jr. emphasized the fruitful and honest discussion on regional events of mutual interest, such as the developments in the South China Sea and cooperation within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean). As founding members of Asean and the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), the Philippines and Indonesia affirmed their commitment to the universality of Unclos, which provides the legal framework governing all activities in the oceans and seas.
President Marcos Jr. highlighted the deep and comprehensive engagements between the Philippines and Indonesia, spanning various areas such as defense and security, maritime operations, trade and investment, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges. He recognized Indonesia as one of the Philippines’ closest friends and regional partners, emphasizing the shared geography, history, and culture that have fostered these strong ties. President Marcos Jr. also stressed the importance of a strengthening government-to-government relationship between the two nations.
President Widodo echoed President Marcos Jr.’s sentiments, emphasizing the need for unity in tackling regional challenges. He expressed Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening border and trade cooperation with the Philippines, including the acceleration of revisions to the border patrol agreement and the border crossing agreement, settlement of the continental shelf boundaries, and the enhancement of defense cooperation and equipment. President Widodo also sought the Philippines’ support related to special safeguard measures on Indonesian coffee products and the purchase of anti-submarine warfare aircraft for the Philippine Navy from Indonesia.
Both leaders agreed on the significance of strengthening Asean unity and centrality, upholding the principles of international law, and becoming a positive force for peace, stability, and prosperity in the region. President Widodo assured that Indonesia is committed to keeping market access open for the Philippines’ agricultural commodities. He also sought President Marcos Jr.’s backing to accelerate the groundbreaking of the North-South Commuter Railway Project, a joint venture between Indonesia and the Philippines.
In addition to the discussions, the Philippines and Indonesia signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to further strengthen their cooperation. The MoU signifies the commitment of both nations to deepen their collaboration in various areas of mutual interest.
The recent meeting between President Marcos Jr. and President Widodo highlights the importance of defense cooperation and border agreements in maintaining peace and stability in the region. It emphasizes the shared commitment of the Philippines and Indonesia to uphold international law, particularly Unclos, and their dedication to fostering strong bilateral relations. These discussions and agreements pave the way for enhanced cooperation and mutual support between the two nations, contributing to the overall prosperity and security of the region.
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Source: The Manila Times
