MANILA, Philippines: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Indonesian President Joko Widodo met on Wednesday to discuss the developments in the South China Sea and strengthen defense cooperation between their countries. The leaders, who held a bilateral meeting in Malacanang, agreed to continue their cooperation on political and security matters.
In a joint press conference after the meeting, President Marcos highlighted the fruitful and honest discussion they had on regional events of mutual interest, including the developments in the South China Sea and the initiatives of 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 reaffirmed their insistence on the universality of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). UNCLOS sets out the legal framework that governs all activities in the oceans and seas.
President Widodo, on the other hand, expressed his commitment to expediting the revision of joint border patrol and crossing agreements, as well as strengthening defense cooperation, including military hardware. He also sought the support of President Marcos in the purchase of anti-submarine warfare aircraft for the Philippine Navy from Indonesia.
President Widodo’s visit to Manila marks a three-day official visit aimed at strengthening the bilateral ties between the Philippines and Indonesia. The discussions between the two leaders underscore the importance of regional cooperation and the need to address the evolving security challenges in the South China Sea.
The South China Sea has been a contentious issue, with multiple countries claiming sovereignty over various islands and waters within the region. The Philippines and Indonesia, as neighboring countries, have a vested interest in maintaining stability and upholding international laws in the area.
By emphasizing the universality of UNCLOS, the Philippines and Indonesia are sending a clear message that they support a rules-based approach in resolving disputes and ensuring freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. This commitment to international law is crucial in safeguarding the rights and interests of all countries involved.
Furthermore, the agreement to boost defense cooperation and revise joint border patrol and crossing agreements reflects the shared commitment of the Philippines and Indonesia to enhance their capabilities in addressing security challenges. The purchase of anti-submarine warfare aircraft for the Philippine Navy from Indonesia demonstrates the trust and confidence between the two nations in strengthening their defense capabilities.
The visit of President Widodo to Manila also highlights the importance of ASEAN in promoting regional cooperation and unity. As founding members of ASEAN, the Philippines and Indonesia play a crucial role in advancing the interests and welfare of Southeast Asian nations.
Overall, the discussions between President Marcos and President Widodo have reaffirmed the commitment of the Philippines and Indonesia to regional stability, adherence to international law, and cooperation in addressing security challenges. By working together, the two countries are contributing to the collective efforts in maintaining peace and security in the South China Sea and the broader ASEAN region.
Source: The Manila Times
