MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III and Indonesian President Joko Widodo signed three agreements on Monday during the latter's state visit in the Philippines.
In a joint statement delivered in Malacañang, Aquino and Widodo said they signed memoranda of agreement on cooperation in combating drug trafficking, technical vocational education training and cooperation in education research and training.
"The cooperation is imminent in people-to-people contact. The exchange of students, teachers will be beneficial," Widodo said.
The state leaders also signed a joint declaration on protection of migrant workers. Aquino added that it is their mutual interest to protect migrants.
"President Widodo and I had a fruitful discussion. We spoke about possible areas that could be boosted through increased cooperation," Aquino added.
Aquino noted that the Philippines and Indonesia agreed to coordinate more closely on the issue of maritime affairs.
"We are more encouraged to further improve our approach to maritime boundary limitation, border cooperation and cooperation in combating unreported illegal fishing," Aquino said.
Widodo arrived at the Philippines on Sunday afternoon for his three-day introductory state visit. He assumed office in October last year, replacing former President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.
The Indonesian leader offered a wreath on the monument of the Philippine national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, before meeting Aquino.
It is tradition for new state leaders to visit fellow member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
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