Aquino conferred highest Indon award

President Benigno S. Aquino III AP FILE PHOTO

BALI, Indonesia—As a testament to the close friendship between Indonesia and the Philippines, President Benigno Aquino III on Friday received the highest award the Indonesian government can give to those who have rendered extraordinary service to its nation.

At the sidelines of the two-day Bali Democracy Forum here, Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono conferred on Mr. Aquino the “Bintang Republik Indonesia Adipurna (Star of the Republic of Indonesia).”

“This award I receive today represents the rich, historical relations between our countries. On top of that, however, it is also a recognition of the boundless potential of our partnership, and of our continuing task of exploring areas of cooperation and increasing our synergies in every possible manner, all for the mutual benefit of our peoples,” Mr. Aquino said in remarks during the brief conferment ceremony.

The President is the first Filipino to be given the award. Two Filipinos—Narciso Ramos and Carlos P. Romulo, two former Philippine foreign secretaries—had received the second highest award.

In an interview before he flew back to Manila on Friday, Mr. Aquino said the diplomatic relations of the Philippines and Indonesia will not change even with the change of leadership in this country on Oct. 20 when President-elect Joko Widodo is sworn in.

“The change of leadership does not necessarily mean a change of track,” Mr. Aquino said, noting that the Philippines and Indonesia share common interests.

Officials who were with Mr. Aquino here said the President had so far no scheduled meeting with Widodo.

Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario, presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda, Julia Abad, head of the Presidential Management Staff, and Cabinet Secretary Jose Almendras joined the President in Bali.

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