REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, MANILA -- President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has praised his Philippine counterpart, Benigno S. Aquino III for his success in achieving high economic growth and promoting peace in Mindanao, the Philippines.

"First of all, Indonesia would like to congratulate the Philippines on its extraordinary achievement in two fields," Yudhoyono stated during a joint press conference with Benigno at the Malacanang Palace here on Friday.

Yudhoyono emphasized that the Philippines is one of the countries having a high economic growth rate.

"And this will help the Philippine economy to become stronger in the future," the president reiterated.

Yudhoyono further lauded President Aquino for signing a peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on March 27, this year, to put an end to their conflict.

Under the agreement, MILF will surrender their weapons in exchange for wide-ranging political autonomy in predominantly Muslim South Mindanao.

"It is an important milestone proving that conflicts, however difficult, can be resolved peacefully as expected by all," the president affirmed.

The improving economy in the Philippines and peace in Mindanao will pave the path for close cooperation and partnership between Indonesia and the Philippines, he added.

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