REPUBLICA.CO.ID, MANILA -- Indonesian President Joko Widodo or Jokowi met with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Manila. They discussed various regional issues, including the development of the South China Sea (LCS) and cooperation between Southeast Asian countries (ASEAN).

“I and President Widodo had a fruitful and frank discussion on regional events of common interest such as developments in the South China Sea and ASEAN cooperation and initiatives,” Marcos Jr said on Wednesday (10/1/2024), Reuters reported.

The joint press conference was held after the two countries' meeting to agree on strengthening defense cooperation and existing border cooperation agreements.

“We agreed to accelerate the revision of the agreement on joint patrols at borders and crossings, also strengthen defense cooperation, including military devices,” Jokowi said.

In a press release, Indonesia's Cabinet Secretariat said Jokowi was also scheduled to visit Kopiko Philippines Corporation located in Calamba City. Jokowi will review the factory of one of the Indonesian manufacturers.

After that, President Jokowi and his delegation will return to Manila City to inspect the W Hydrocolloids Inc. After completing the review, President Jokowi will return to his hotel in Manila to spend the night and resume activities tomorrow.

During this visit Jokowi was accompanied by Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, Minister of State Owned Enterprises Erick Thohir, Presidential Chief of Staff Moeldoko, Member of the Presidential Consideration Board Gandi Sulistiyanto, and Indonesian Ambassador to the Philippines Agus Widjojo.

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