Indonesia thanks Philippines for 75 years of friendship

MANILA, Philippines — Celebrating 75 years of strong diplomatic relations, Indonesia has nothing but praises for the long-standing friendship that it has with the Philippines.

This year, such relations were highlighted by the recent arrest of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo by the Indonesian Police and the rescue of 70 Indonesian Philippine offshore gaming operator workers in Lapu-Lapu, Cebu.

Indonesian Ambassador Agus Widjojo, speaking at the 79th anniversary of Indonesia’s Independence Day at the Dusit Thani Hotel Manila on Thursday, said 2024 also marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and his country.

“Since the diplomatic ties’ establishment in 1949, Indonesia and the Philippines enjoy cordial bilateral relationship in the spirit of kinship. This milestone is not merely a reflection of our historical ties, but a celebration of our shared values, mutual respect and the enduring friendship that has flourished between our two nations,” Widjojo said.

“Thanks to the common efforts made by our two governments and two peoples, we have witnessed the robust development of our bilateral ties and fruitful cooperation over the past 75 years,” he added.

Widjojo said Indonesia thanks the Philippine government for its continued support, assistance and cooperation extended to the Indonesian embassy in Manila in carrying out their missions, especially in protecting Indonesians in the Philippines.

During the event attended by Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and other top Philippine and Indonesian embassy officials, a commemorative logo of the 75th Anniversary of the Indonesia-Philippines diplomatic relations was unveiled.

“Furthermore, tonight will also be special because for the first time ever, to commemorate the 75 years of bilateral diplomatic relations, the Indonesian embassy will present a ‘Friends of Indonesia Award’ to our partners who have been tirelessly supporting the embassy’s missions in the Philippines,” Widjojo announced.

“This is our way of saying ‘Thank you, Philippines…’ for the continued collaborations and engagements, at all levels, from government, private sectors, media, education institutions and many other walks of life, to promote Indonesia, enhance bilateral relations and ensure that our cooperation keeps obtaining many achievements,” he said.

Widjojo said the Philippines and Indonesia are partners in various fields, including in the area of defense and security, with the two nations renewing its Defense Cooperative Agreement in 2022.

“At the moment, defense and security cooperation between the two countries continues to thrive and experience a significant advancement. Indonesia and the Philippines have demonstrated their ability to mutually support defense needs at a bilateral level,” he noted.

“Indonesia and the Philippines have signed the Plan of Action 2022-2027 on Sept. 5, 2022 at the 7th Philippines-Indonesia Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation, which serves as the guidelines for bilateral cooperation between the two countries,” Widjojo said.