PH, Indonesia step up antiterror cooperation

President Rodrigo Duterte discusses matters with Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi 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

The Philippines and Indonesia have agreed to improve maritime security between the two countries to prevent terrorists from taking advantage of their porous borders, Malacañang said on Thursday.

President Duterte met with Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi at the Presidential Guest House in Davao City on Wednesday and both agreed on some “security arrangements,” according to presidential spokesperson Harry Roque.

“There were some agreements with Indonesia relating to security that was agreed upon by the President and

(Indonesian) President (Joko) Widodo although details cannot be divulged,” Roque said.

“It was actually a courtesy call, a tête-à-tête, and the President indicated that there were security agreements and arrangements agreed upon between the two countries,” he said.

In a statement, Malacañang said the President raised the need to improve border security to prevent local and foreign terrorists from easily going in and out of the country.

Malacañang said Mr. Duterte and Indonesia’s top diplomat also agreed to elevate cooperation on trade and education and eradicate terrorism.

Mr. Duterte also expressed interest in the resumption of the Philippine-Indonesia trade routes to strengthen trade between the two countries.