By Priam F. Nepomuceno
MANILA – Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro formally received on Monday new Indonesian Minister for Foreign Affairs Arrmanatha “Tata” Christiawan Nasir, who is in Manila for an introductory visit after his appointment as Indonesia’s top diplomat last month.
In their meeting, Lazaro and Nasir had productive discussions on the progress of bilateral relations, highlighting the close historical, cultural and geographical ties between the Philippines and Indonesia as maritime neighbors and founding members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Both foreign affairs chiefs recalled the key outcomes of the 8th Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) held last April 23 in Jakarta.
They reaffirmed their commitment to intensify close collaboration across political, economic, maritime security and border management, boundary delimitation, legal and consular cooperation, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) development, and people-to-people relations.
The two foreign ministers agreed to expedite work on the adoption of a new Philippines-Indonesia Plan of Action for the next five years, which will serve as the underlying framework in strengthening and deepening the bilateral partnership of the two countries, especially towards a shared aspiration for regional peace, stability, and prosperity.
“They likewise exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual concern, particularly within ASEAN and the UN. They acknowledged the importance of continuing efforts to effectively address the issue of transboundary haze and the need to advance meaningful progress on the situation in Myanmar,” the DFA said.
At the upcoming 49th ASEAN Summit this November, Lazaro welcomed Indonesia’s continued support for the Philippines’ chairship and underscored their shared commitment to maintain ASEAN unity and centrality in addressing regional challenges.
The Philippines and Indonesia established diplomatic relations on Nov. 24, 1949 and will mark 77 years of formal ties this month. (PNA)
