Incoming Indonesian president calls on Marcos

COURTESY CALL President Marcos greets Indonesia’s President- elect Prabowo Subianto in Malacañang Palace on Friday. —MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

MANILA, Philippines — Indonesian President-elect Prabowo Subianto on Friday vowed to always support and work with the Philippines in all fields as part of efforts to strengthen the close ties between the two nations.

This was after he paid a courtesy call on President Marcos in Malacañang on Friday afternoon as part of the “Asian custom” to call on one’s friends before taking on a new post.

In his exchange with Mr. Marcos, Prabowo noted the common cultural and historical roots of the Philippines and Indonesia, especially that the two nations are close neighbors in Southeast Asia.

“I came here today to pay my respects because exactly one month from now, on the 20th of October, God willing I will be inaugurated as president of the Republic of Indonesia,” he said.

Prabowo went on: “Perhaps it’s the Asian way, our custom, that before we enter a new position, we call on our friends and to reconfirm my commitment to strengthen the close relationship that we have, traditionally, between the Philippines and Indonesia.”

“By the fact that we are very close neighbors, it behooves us, I think, to always support each other and to work together closely in all fields,” he added.

In response, Mr. Marcos thanked Prabowo for visiting Manila and said it was his great pleasure to welcome Prabowo in Malacañang.

“I think it bodes well for our two countries that you came to visit with the Philippines and it shows that the growing relationship between our two countries has been at a very strong level for many, many years,” the President said, citing the strong ties in people-to-people, political and diplomatic relations.

Mr. Marcos noted that the two countries will mark 75 years of diplomatic relations in November.

“I think your visit here today will certainly bring a new impetus to making that relationship between Indonesia and the Philippines stronger and deeper,” the President added.

A former military general and the current defense minister of Indonesia, Prabowo was declared as president-elect in March. He will succeed Joko Widodo in an inauguration ceremony on Oct. 20.