Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi. (Photo coutesy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia)
MANILA – Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi is visiting the Philippines next week to discuss with his counterpart regional issues and ways to take the two nations’ bilateral cooperation to a higher level, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced Thursday.
Marsudi will co-chair with Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo the Ministerial Meeting of the 7th Philippines-Indonesia Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) in Manila on Jan. 9.
DFA spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza said the two ministers would review the accomplishments of the two nations’ collaboration initiatives, exchange views on issues of mutual interest, and consider plans for enhancing cooperation.
“The two ministers are also expected to exchange views on key regional and international issues of common concern for the Philippines and Indonesia,” she added.
READ: ASEAN tells parties to restore mutual trust amid tensions in SCS
Manalo and Marsudi, together with other foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, earlier raised concern over the growing tensions surrounding the South China Sea.
The top diplomats called on all parties in the maritime row to restore mutual trust and confidence as the recent developments in the area threaten regional peace and stability.
The upcoming ministerial meeting follows the Senior Officials’ Meeting of the 7th JCBC, which was convened via virtual format in April 2022. (PNA)
