PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte and Indonesian President Joko Widodo reaffirmed Friday the enhanced bilateral cooperation between the Philippines and Indonesia to pursue peaceful resolution on South China Sea disputes and combat criminal activities that can harm the citizens of both countries.
In a statement, Duterte described his meeting with Widodo as "productive" and as "successful" as the time he visited Indonesia in September last year.
"We reaffirmed the importance of peaceful resolution of disputes and the supremacy of law and the primacy of rules in the behavior of the responsible states," the President said.
"We [also] recognized the need to address both traditional and emerging threats, and expressed readiness to step up cooperation against terrorism, violent extremism, piracy at sea, and transnational crimes, including the trade of illicit drugs," he added.
The President said he and Widodo also agreed that the bilateral relations between the Philippines and Indonesia signified resolve to sustain the momentum of all their engagements, particularly in defense and security, trade and investments, agriculture and subregional development connectivity.
To help Philippines improve its economy, Widodo said the Indonesian government would continue to encourage Indonesian companies to participate in the retail sectors and infrastructure deployment.
Duterte said it was an honor to have Indonesia as "one of the Philippines' closest friends and allies.”
"We are positive that Philippines-Indonesia partnership stronger than ever and ready to face together as brothers in the evolving realities of our times," he said.
For Widodo, the Philippines is likewise “a good friend of Indonesia and one of our more important partners.”
No word on Veloso case
Meanwhile, the two leaders were unable to discuss the case of Filipina drug convict Mary Jane Veloso, who is facing death row in Indonesia.
Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said Veloso's case was not mentioned during the bilateral meeting. He, however, could not confirm whether it was discussed when the two leaders held a one-on-one meeting.
"As regards the case of Mary Jane Veloso. It was not mentioned during the expanded bilateral meeting," Abella said in a statement.
"It will be preemptive to say as well if it was discussed during their private meeting (four eyes)," he added.
Veloso was arrested at an Indonesian airport in 2010 after 2.6 kilograms of heroin were found in the lining of her suitcase.
In an ambush interview with reporters prior to his meeting with Widodo, the President said he would likely just thank Widodo for the reprieve given to Veloso.
Duterte also maintained that he would respect the decision of the Indonesian government with regard to the case of Veloso.
"I said that I will honor what the laws are in their country. We will not impose. We will not demand. Nothing. But that’s also our stand," the Chief Executive said. (VoxPop Philippines)
