Reception Hall, Malacañan Palace
April 28, 2017
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and President Joko Widodo, the seventh president of the Republic of Indonesia, witnessed the signing of agreements between the two countries at the Malacañan Palace as part of the Indonesian leader’s state visit to the Philippines.
In a joint press statement after the signing ceremony, President Duterte discussed the agreements signed in his and President Widodo’s presence.
“I am pleased with the signing of a Joint Declaration of Establishment of Sea Connectivity between Davao, General Santos and Bitung. This will facilitate trade and movement of goods. This deserves full support in both our governments,” said President Duterte as he spoke of the Joint Declaration of Connectivity between the two nations.
Both leaders also mentioned their participation in the planned launching of the maiden voyage of the Roll-On/Roll-Off (RORO) vessel in Davao departing for Bitung City in North Sulawesi, Indonesia on April 30, 2017.
President Duterte also spoke of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Agricultural Cooperation. “As I have always said, agriculture should be a sector of growth, through cooperation on research, consultation and assistance, we can help modernize a key sector of our constituents,” he said.
He mentioned the strengthening of bilateral relations between the two countries, saying, “With nearly 70 years of formal diplomatic ties, we are drawn together yet again to renew the common commitment to further strengthen cooperation across the many areas of mutual interest.”
According to President Duterte, the commitments made were on defense and security, trade and investments, agriculture, and sub-regional development connectivity.
For his part, President Widodo reaffirmed the message of the Philippine leader, saying, “Philippines is a good friend of Indonesia and one of our important partners. President Duterte and I agreed to elevate cooperation in various areas.”
The state visit of President Widodo form part of Indonesia’s participation in the 30th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Meetings chaired and hosted by the Philippines from April 26 to 29, 2017.
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