PRESIDENT Marcos Jr. and Indonesian Defense Minister and presumptive president Prabowo Subianto yesterday vowed to strengthen ties between Manila and Jakarta.
The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said the President, during a phone conversation with Subianto, extended his congratulations Subianto and talked with him about potential new areas of cooperation that he has discussed with outgoing Indonesian President Joko Widodo.
“Yes, there are many areas (that) opened up. The traditional ties have grown stronger over 70 years. In the recent years, President Widodo explored many new possibilities. I would be very interested to meet with you to go into some details,” the PCO said, quoting Marcos.
It added that Marcos said the Philippines is much willing to partner with Indonesia especially in terms of energy transition, green metals and energy production and even said that there are already some Indonesian companies that have invested in the Philippines.
The PCO said Subianto told Marcos he is looking forward to working with the latter’s administration as part of the strengthened bilateral relations between the Philippines and Indonesia, and that he will build on what his predecessor has established, including the rich ties between the Philippines and Indonesia.
“I am looking forward to work with you. Philippine-Indonesia relationships have many common interests. I like to know what you are thinking. I hope to meet you as soon as possible,” the Indonesian leader was also quoted as saying.
Widodo congratulated Subianto earlier this month after unofficial counts showed the latter leading his two rivals.
