President Rodrigo Duterte has expressed his intention to improve the Philippines’ maritime security cooperation with Indonesia to eradicate terrorism in the region.
On Wednesday, Duterte met with Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, who paid a courtesy call at the Presidential Guest House in Davao City, where the two agreed to elevate cooperation on trade, maritime security and education.
“While declaring that the rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts in Marawi are in full swing, President Duterte said that he wants to intensify maritime security in cooperation with Indonesia as foreign and local terrorists continue to enter and exit the country despite the military efforts to go after these elements,” a news release from Malacañang said.
The President also raised the possibility of the resumption of the Philippines-Indonesia routes to further strengthen trade.
The President likewise expressed interest on providing scholarships for Muslim students, especially those who are enrolled in the Madrasa institutions.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Marsudi expressed her interest in pursuing the joint education program between the Philippines and Indonesia to “spread the Islamic values” in Southeast Asian nations.
She added that the Indonesian government wanted to confer 300 passports for Indonesian descents living in Mindanao.
Marsudi was accompanied by Indonesian Embassy in Manila Charge d’ affaires Budi Dhewajani, Consul General for Indonesian Embassy in Davao Berlian Napitupulu, and Indonesia Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director for Southeast Asian Affairs Deni Abdi, among others.
Undersecretary Enrique Manalo of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Undersecretary Lorna Dino and Director Marge Ballesteros of the Department of Education were also present during the meeting.
