"I have just held a bilateral meeting with Philippine Foreign Minister Jose Rene D Almendras. It is an honor to receive the Philippines foreign minister. This is not our first meeting. We have met several times. I last met him in Manila in April," Retno said.
The Philippines foreign minister is in Indonesia to attend the trilateral meeting among Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines, which will take place in Yogyakarta on Thursday (May 5).
The trilateral meeting is being held in response to water security situation in the ASEAN region, particularly along the borders among the three countries, after armed group hijacked ships passing through the sea lane.
At her meeting with Jose Rene D. Almendras, Retno, on behalf of the Indonesian government, expressed gratitude to the Philippines government for its support to secure the release of 10 Indonesians who were held hostage by the Abu Sayyaf armed group in South Philippines.
Retmo said the Indonesian and Philippine governments are still working closely to secure the release of another four Indonesians held hostage by the armed group.
At the bilateral meeting, the two foreign ministers also discussed efforts to resolve border issues, enhance economic cooperation, protect Indonesian citizens, and discuss regional and international issues of mutual concern.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2016
