Duterte, Indonesian envoy vow closer bilateral cooperation

DAVAO CITY  , Philippines  —   President Duterte and Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi have agreed to elevate the cooperation on trade, maritime security, education and anti-terrorist operations between Indonesia and the Philippines. 

Marsudi paid Duterte a courtesy call yesterday afternoon at the Malacañang of the South presidential guesthouse inside the Department of Public Works and Highways here in Barangay Panacan. 

Duterte expressed interest in the resumption of the Philippines-Indonesia routes to further strengthen trade between the two countries.

While declaring that rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts in Marawi are in full swing, Duterte said that he wants to intensify maritime security cooperation with Indonesia as foreign and local terrorists continue to enter and exit the country despite military operations against extremist groups.

The President had also expressed interest in providing scholarship to Muslim students, particularly those enrolled in Madrasa institutions.

Marsudi said they would pursue the joint education program between the Philippines and Indonesia to spread Islamic values in Southeast Asian nations.

The envoy added that the Indonesian government wanted to issue 300 passports for Indonesians living in Mindanao.

Marsudi was accompanied by Indonesian embassy charge d’ affaires Budi Dhewajani, Consul General in Davao Berlian Napitupulu, and Indonesia Ministry of Foreign Affairs director for Southeast Asian affairs Deni Abdi, among others.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Enrique Manalo, undersecretary Lorna Dino and director Marge Ballesteros of the Department of Education also attended the meeting.

Indonesia also offered to help the Philippines counter extremism through education. 

The Philippines welcomed Indonesia’s offer to share its best practices in Islamic education.  – With Christina Mendez, Pia Lee-Brago