By Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza and John Victor D. Ordoñez, Reporters
INDONESIAN President Joko Widodo will have a three-day visit in the Philippines starting Jan. 9, according to Malacañang.
The visit coincides with the meeting in Manila between foreign affairs officials of both countries, who the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Thursday are expected to discuss enhancing cooperation on regional and international issues.
According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), Mr. Widodo is set to meet with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on Jan. 10 to discuss ways to deepen bilateral ties.
The two leaders will “take stock of the progress in Philippines-Indonesia relations,” it said, citing Mr. Marcos’ official visit to Indonesia in September last year.
“The two leaders are also expected to reaffirm their commitment to deepening and expanding Philippines-Indonesia ties, especially as the two countries will celebrate their 75th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations in November 2024,” the PCO added.
Meanwhile, the DFA said Philippine Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo and Indonesian Minister for Foreign Affairs Retno L.P. Marsudi will meet for the 7th Philippines-Indonesia Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC), a venue for exchanging views on boosting bilateral relations.
“The JCBC is the primary dialogue mechanism between the Philippines and Indonesia to review accomplishments on mutual collaboration initiatives,” the agency said.
Envoys on both sides are expected to tackle issues of “mutual interest” and avenues for enhancing cooperation.
When asked what agreements are expected to be signed at the dialogue, DFA Spokesperson Ma. Teresita C. Daza told reporters in a WhatsApp message that “preparations for the meeting are ongoing.”
Indonesian President Joko Widodo is set to visit Manila on Jan. 10 to meet with Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.
In Sept. last year, the Philippine President secured $22 million (P1.3 billion) in investment pledges from Indonesian companies on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Jakarta.
The deals were related to animal health, artificial intelligence and digital sectors, the Presidential Palace earlier said. A month later, Indonesia assured the Philippines of continued access to its coal-fired power plants.
