INDONESIA'S PRABOWO MEETS PHILIPPINE PRESIDENT MARCOS

JAKARTA, Sept 21 (Bernama) -- Indonesian Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto met with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at Malacañang Palace in Manila on Friday, highlighting Indonesia’s view of the Philippines as a strategic partner, especially in defence.

Prabowo, who won the 2024 presidential election and is set to be sworn in as Indonesia’s eighth president on October 20, praised Marcos’ leadership during the meeting.

“Your strategic vision has significantly advanced the Philippines’ position on the global stage, demonstrating real progress in politics, economics, and military matters,” he stated.

Marcos was accompanied by Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, and Defence Minister Gilberto Teodoro Jr., according to a statement from Indonesia’s Defence Ministry.

Prabowo also conveyed his thanks for the Philippines’ role in hosting the 13th Joint Defence and Security Cooperation Committee (JDSCC) meeting in Manila in June.

“We are committed to continuing our participation in this annual bilateral forum and hope to host the 14th JDSCC meeting in Indonesia in 2025,” he added.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Prabowo expressed gratitude for the constructive discussions.

Marcos, on his official media account, reflected on the enduring friendship between the two countries, stating: “Our nations have always shared a deep bond of friendship, and I am certain that it will only strengthen in the years to come.”

Prabowo’s visit to the Philippines follows recent diplomatic engagement trips in Brunei, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand and Malaysia.

Since his electoral win, the 72-year-old former military general has been actively enhancing his international profile through visits which include Russia, Qatar, Japan, China, and Australia.

-- BERNAMA