Marcos congratulates Indonesian president, VP for their inauguration

Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr (L) poses with Indonesia’s President-elect Prabowo Subianto during a courtesy call at Malacanang Palace in Manila on September 20, 2024. (Photo by Jam Sta Rosa /AFP)

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Sunday congratulated Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka for their inauguration.

Marcos was present at their inauguration at the House of Representatives building in the Indonesian capital.

READ: Indonesian Navy ship visits PH

In his message, Marcos said Indonesia is “one of the Philippines’ longstanding partners and closest friends among fellow founding nations in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).”

“I reaffirm our nation’s desire to further strengthen our bilateral ties with Indonesia on this momentous occasion and in lieu of our diplomatic relations’ 75th anniversary in November,” he added.

Last October 15, the Indonesian Navy training ship KRI Bima Suci arrived at Pier 15 in South Harbor, Manila for a four-day goodwill visit.

According to the Indonesian Embassy, the ship is on its mission to “spread peace and goodwill” to eight countries, including the Philippines — its last stop before it headed back to Indonesia.