President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday said he has been “overwhelmed” by the warm welcome by Indonesian leaders during his first-ever foreign trip as head of state.
“Since we arrived in Indonesia, we have been overwhelmed by the kindness and hospitality of President Joko Widodo, Madame First Lady Iriana Joko Widodo, Government Ministers, and the Indonesian people,” Marcos wrote in a social media post.
Marcos and Widodo talked “at length” about the role of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The two Southeast Asian presidents are of the same belief that the political union will be the “lead agent” in developing regional peace and regional development due to “geopolitical volatility.”
The Philippine and Indonesian governments on Monday inked four agreements on defense and security, culture, and creative economy.
Marcos believes these agreements would help accelerate the country’s economic recovery and develop regional peace and regional development.
“We are confident that the agreements signed between our countries will help build a peaceful and more united ASEAN region,” he said.