Kalayaan Hall, Malacañan Palace
January 10, 2024

Reciprocating the warm hospitality and generosity offered to him during his state visit to Indonesia last September 2022, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. hosted a state luncheon for President Joko Widodo of Indonesia at the Kalayaan Hall in Malacañan Palace during the Indonesian leader’s Official Visit to the Philippines.

“The Philippines and Indonesia are not only neighbors, but also brothers and sisters sharing a longstanding history, a vibrant culture, and common aspirations for peace and prosperity for our people and in the future. We have fostered a mature relationship built on seven and a half decades of trust, mutual understanding and extensive engagements throughout the years. I am pleased with our cordial and substantive discussions this morning which are reflective of the successes we have achieved in the past,” President Marcos Jr. stated in his toast remarks.

The Philippine Chief Executive expressed his firm commitment to work closely and actively with Indonesia to nurture the bonds of kinship and elevate relations between the two countries to new heights.

In response, President Widodo offered a toast to the friendship, cooperation and prosperity among Filipinos and Indonesians.

“This year, we celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations and remain committed to continue the work hand-in-hand to strengthen our cooperation for the next 75 years. Indonesia and the Philippines have also strengthened commitment to continue to maintain ASEAN unity and centrality for the sake of peace, stability and prosperity of our region,” the visiting leader conveyed.

President Widodo is the first Head of State embarking on a visit to the Philippines this year.

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