JAKARTA – President Marcos is “happy” about Indonesian investors’ interest in the Philippines, as some private companies have inked agreements seen to be greatly beneficial to the country, Malacañang said yesterday.
“I understand that these are already agreements, signed agreements. And therefore, would have their own timetables,” Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said at a press briefing here.
“We expect that they will bring benefits soon, which is why the President is optimistic,” she added. Details of the signed agreements were not immediately available.
Angeles said Marcos already has copies of the investment agreements, which were turned over by the companies that signed them.
The President welcomed the development during a meeting with business leaders yesterday.
“He is happy for the interest that they are showing in the Philippine economy. As you know, this is part of his vision for economic recovery and he also happily reported to them the general outcome of his agreements or his talks with (Indonesian) President (Joko) Widodo,” the press secretary said.
“He was more encouraging and encouraged already by the outcome that was presented to him,” she added.
Angeles said investors from the energy, agriculture, transportation and sectors joined the meeting, one of Marcos’ last official engagements during his state visit here.
Marcos started the second day of his three-day state visit with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Alibata National Heroes Memorial Park.
The memorial park is the final resting place of Indonesia’s national figures, including its founding fathers, freedom fighters, revolutionary leaders, high government officials, ranking military officers, national artists and scientists. The Heroes Monument is located about 200 meters from the cemetery.
It was followed by a bilateral meeting with President Widodo at the Bogor Presidential Palace, where Marcos was given military honors.
Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos were welcomed by Widodo and Indonesian First Lady Iriana Widodo.
Before the start of the bilateral meeting, the President and the First Lady participated in a tree planting ceremony, a tradition among foreign leaders visiting Indonesia.
Marcos capped his state visit with a tour of the Istiqlal Mosque and the Jakarta Cathedral.
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