Philippines envoy to Indonesia holds diplomatic welcome reception

JAKARTA – Philippine Ambassador to Indonesia Leehiong T. Wee held a diplomatic welcome reception at the Grand Hyatt Hotel on Sept. 6, following his presentation of credentials to Indonesian President Joko Widodo last August.

In his welcome speech, Wee mentioned his humble beginnings as a young boy in Zamboanga who struggled to help support his family, his stint as a teacher, his career as a successful businessman in establishing the W Group of Companies and now his new role as Philippine ambassador to Indonesia.

As the new ambassador, he emphasized his marching orders from President Duterte was to prioritize the Southern Philippines and Eastern Indonesia while enhancing overall bilateral relations.

In particular, he highlighted the need to revive direct air links between Davao and Manado in Indonesia and the roll-on-roll-off (RORO) maritime sea route between Indonesia and the Philippines.

Ambassador Wee expressed great optimism in the “immense possibilities” in furthering trade and bilateral relations, especially for the Southern Philippines and Eastern Indonesia, given their resources and close geographical proximity to each other.

The Philippines and Indonesia established diplomatic ties in November 1949, and next year both countries will mark the 70th anniversary of their bilateral relations.