ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA – The President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo (Jokowi) and the President of the Philippines Marcos Jr. held a bilateral meeting at Malacanang Palace, Manila, Wednesday, January 10 2024.
There were three points resulting from the bilateral meeting.
“First, in the political and security fields. President Jokowi and President Marcos Jr. agreed to strengthen border cooperation, including through joint patrols,” explained Indonesian Foreign Minister, Retno Marsudi in a press briefing.
President Jokowi conveyed the importance of encouraging accelerated revision of the Border Patrol Agreement, Border Crossing Agreement to overcome dynamic challenges and structural changes, including encouraging the settlement of the continental shelf boundary between the two countries as well as strengthening defense cooperation including the procurement of defense equipment.
Second, in the economic field. The Philippines is an important economic partner for Indonesia, especially in trade.
“Over the last 5 years, the trade volume between the two countries has continued to increase, even increasing by more than 16% in 2022, and if we look at bilateral trade figures, the amount has exceeded more than $10 billion with a surplus on the Indonesian side,” explained Retno.
In a bilateral meeting, President Jokowi and President Marcos Jr. discussed trade issues and agreed to continue to open mutual market access for Philippine commodities to Indonesia and vice versa. Apart from that, President Jokowi specifically hopes for support from the Philippines to review the special safeguard measures for Indonesian coffee products so that this policy can be immediately revoked.
“President Jokowi also expressed his appreciation for the Philippines’ trust in Indonesian BUMN to contribute to the development of important infrastructure in the Philippines and encourage the acceleration or groundbreaking of the North-South Commuter Railway Project,” he added.
Third, the matters discussed are also related to regional issues. President Jokowi conveyed the importance of strengthening ASEAN unity and centrality, which is not just jargon.
“President Jokowi also emphasized that ASEAN must continue to adhere to the principles of international law and be a positive force for peace, stability and prosperity,” he stressed. (AT Network)
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