NAIA Terminal 2, Pasay City
10 October 2014

President Benigno S. Aquino III and his lean Philippine delegation arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 around nine in the evening after participating at the opening of the Bali Democracy Forum VII held in Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia.

President Aquino, co-chair of this year’s Bali Democracy Forum, acknowledged the long great relations and cooperation between Philippines and Indonesia in his arrival statement. He stated the help and support both countries extended to one another when disasters hit like the 1963 eruption of Mt. Gunung Agung and Super Typhoon Yolanda.

“Kasama rin natin ang Indonesia sa pagsusulong ng kapayapaan sa Mindanao, sa paggigiit ng makatwirang resolusyon sa usapin ng teritoryo, at maging sa pagtaguyod ng seguridad laban sa terorismo at sa kapakanan ng ating mamamayan sa harap ng climate change,” he added.

The Chief Executive also paid tribute to outgoing Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono whom he considers a “big brother” that gives inspiration to the people of Indonesia and to member countries of the ASEAN.

“Ang ibinigay niya sa ating parangal na “Bintang Republik Indonesia Adipurna” ay simbolo ng matibay na ugnayan ng Pilipinas at Indonesia, at ng magkaugnay na pagsusumikap ng ating mga mamamayan sa pag-abot ng ating mga pangarap,”  said President Aquino.

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