By the Philippine News Agency
The Philippines and Indonesia, represented by Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, agreed to elevate cooperation on trade, maritime security, education, and in eradicating terrorism.
Marsudi paid a courtesy call on President Rodrigo Duterte at the Presidential Guest House in Panacan, Davao on January 3.
President Rodrigo Duterte expressed his interest anew in the resumption of the Philippines-Indonesia routes to further strengthen trade between the two countries.
While declaring that the rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts in Marawi are in full swing, the President said that he wants to intensify maritime security in cooperation with Indonesia as foreign and local terrorists continue to enter and exit the country despite the military efforts to go after these elements.
Duterte also expressed his interest in providing a scholarship for Muslim students, particularly to those who are enrolled in the Madrasa institutions. Meanwhile, Marsudi expressed her interest in pursuing the joint education program between the Philippines and Indonesia to “spread the Islamic values” in Southeast Asian nations.
She added that the Indonesian government wanted to confer 300 passports to persons of Indonesian descent living in Mindanao.
Marsudi was accompanied by Indonesian Embassy in Manila Charge d’ affaires Budi Dhewajani, Consul General for Indonesian Embassy in Davao Berlian Napitupulu, and Indonesia Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director for Southeast Asian Affairs Deni Abdi, among others.
Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Enrique Manalo , Education Undersecretary Lorna Dino and Director Marge Ballesteros were also present during the meeting.
Source: news.mb
