Indonesia the Philippines Agree to Increase the Trade Volume
President Jokowi and President of the Philippines Benigno Aquino III delivered a press statement, at the Malacanang Palace, Monday (9/2)
The Government of Indonesia and Government of the Philippines have agreed to increase the volume of trade between the two countries to be doubled in 2016. This agreement delivered by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) in a joint press conference with President of the Philippines Benigno S. Aquino III, in Malacanang Palace, Manila, Philippines, Monday (9/2) afternoon.
Previously, President Jokowi and President Aquino III led a delegation of their respective countries in bilateral talks, which was held as a series of President Jokowis visit to the Philippines, Sunday – Monday (8-9 February 2015).
“In terms of economic cooperation, we agreed to increase the trade volume to double by 2016. We also want to invite investment in the field of maritime, fisheries, energy, and wants to encourage cooperation in agriculture, fisheries, agriculture, pharmaceuticals and trade between SOE,” President Jokowi said.
The President also mentioned, Indonesia and the Philippines also agreed to immediately begin the continental boundary negotiations, reviewing Transboundary Agreement 1975, and the Border Patrol Agreement1975. Related with politics, laws, and security (Polhukam) cooperation, according to President Jokowi, drug eradication and disaster management, procurement of defense equipment (alutsista) to the Philippines, maritime cooperation and bilateral cooperation mechanisms Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines for handling Bajo fishermen in the future.
“We also appreciate the Government of the Philippine regarding the protection of Indonesian citizens (WNI), including Indonesian citizen (WNI) descent in the Philippines,” Jokowi said.
Related public relations, according to the President Jokowi, the government also wants to increase the two-way cooperation in education through sisters school, university to university, teacher and student exchanges and scholarships for citizens of the Philippines in the Southern of the Philippines.
On that occasion, President Jokowi also extended an invitation to President Benigno Aquino III to attend the 60th Anniversary of the Asian-African Conference in April 2015 in Jakarta and Bandung, as well as participate in World Economic Forum on East Asia 2015 in Bali.
In a series of visits to the Philippines, President Jokowi and First Lady Iriana arrived at Malacañang Palace, Manila, on Monday (9/2) afternoon. The arrival of President Jokowi and his entourage were welcomed by the President of the Philippines Benigno S. Aquino III in front of Bonifacio Hall, Malacanang Palace.
Accompanying President Jokowi and First Lady Iriana on the occasion among others Coordinating Minister for Economy Sofyan Djalil, Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi, Minister of Education and Culture Anis Baswedan, Minister of Manpower Hanif Dhakiri, Ministry of Trade Rachmat Gobel, Governor of Lemhannas Budi Susilo S, BNN Chief Commissioner General of Police Anang Iskandar, and Chief BNP2TKI Nusron Wahid. (SK/ES)
