Duterte wants stronger maritime security cooperation with Indonesia vs terrorism

President Rodrigo Duterte (right) discusses matters with Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi (left), who paid a courtesy call on the President at the Presidential Guest House in Panacan, Davao City on January 3, 2018. (JOEY DALUMPINES/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO)

President Rodrigo Duterte reiterated his desire to strengthen maritime security cooperation with Indonesia to combat terrorism in the region.

Duterte met with Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi at the Presidential Guest House in Davao City on Wednesday.

“While declaring that the rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts in Marawi are in full swing, President Duterte said that he wants to intensify maritime security in cooperation with Indonesia as foreign and local terrorists continue to enter and exit the country despite the military efforts to go after these elements,” the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) said in a press statement.

Duterte and Marsudi also agreed to elevate cooperation on trade, maritime security, education, and in eradicating terrorism during their meeting.

Duterte then expressed his interest in the resumption of the Philippines-Indonesia routes to further strengthen trade between the two countries.

The President also said that he wants to provide scholarship for Muslim students, particularly to those who are enrolled in the Madrasa institutions.

Marsudi, meanwhile, expressed Indonesia’s interest in pursuing the joint education program between the Philippines and Indonesia to “spread the Islamic values” in Southeast Asian nations.

The Indonesian government, Marsudi said, wanted to confer 300 passports for people of Indonesian descents living in Mindanao.        /kga