Philippine and Indonesian Leaders Commit to Strengthen Bilateral Ties

MANILA – Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Indonesia’s presumptive President Prabowo Subianto have pledged to fortify the longstanding relationship between their nations. This commitment was made during a phone conversation on Thursday, where President Marcos congratulated Prabowo on his apparent victory in the recent Indonesian presidential elections.

According to Philippines News Agency, The Presidential Communications Office relayed that the dialogue between the two leaders focused on enhancing bilateral relations, with Prabowo expressing eagerness to collaborate closely with the Philippines. Both leaders recognized the deep-rooted alliance between their countries, which spans over seven decades, and discussed expanding cooperation in areas such as clean energy transition and green metals.

President Marcos highlighted the potential for mutual benefits from increased cooperation in energy production, noting the existing investments by Indonesian companies in the Philippines. Prabowo, aiming for his third attempt at the presidency, indicated his intention to build upon the foundation laid by outgoing President Joko Widodo, emphasizing the rich ties and shared interests between the two nations.

The conversation sets a positive tone for the future of Philippine-Indonesian relations, with both leaders looking forward to further engagements that will deepen their strategic partnership and explore new avenues for collaboration. Official results of Indonesia’s presidential election are anticipated by March 20, marking a new chapter in the country’s leadership and its relations with neighboring states.