"I thank Indonesia for its assistance and involvement in the Philippines' infrastructure development in the era of my predecessor (Rodrigo) Duterte," Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. stated.
Hr made the statement during a joint press statement after a bilateral meeting with Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) at the Bogor Palace, West Java, on Monday.
During the meeting, Marcos Jr. and Jokowi discussed the difficulties encountered by the two countries as ASEAN member countries after the COVID-19 pandemic.
He emphasized the importance for the Philippines and Indonesia to establish trade cooperation.
"We also discuss a lot about ASEAN's role in dealing with the current global geopolitical conditions. We agree that the ASEAN must be an agent of change for peace,” he remarked.
Meanwhile, President Jokowi expressed optimism that the opportunities for State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) and Indonesian national private companies would increase in supporting development in the Philippines.
"In future, I want more opportunities for State-Owned Enterprises and private companies to support development in the Philippines," Jokowi remarked.
According to the president, several State-Owned Enterprises have, so far, participated in development programs in the Philippines, such as the project to procure two Landing Platform Dock (LPD) vessels by PT PAL and the train signaling project in Manila by PT LEN Industri.
Jokowi expressed hope that the opportunities for BUMN and national private companies would increase in contributing to development in the Philippines.
He was also optimistic that the Philippines' plan to procure NC212i aircraft from PT Dirgantara Indonesia would be realized soon.
Translator: Rangga P, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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