Indonesia, Philippines discuss South China Sea developments: Marcos

MANILA — The leaders of the Philippines and Indonesia met on Wednesday (Jan 10) to discuss a range of regional issues including developments in the South China Sea and closer co-operation among member states of the Southeast Asian bloc.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. hosted his Indonesian counterpart Joko Widodo for talks in Manila.

"President Widodo and I had a fruitful and honest discussion on regional events of mutual interests such as the developments in the South China Sea and Asean co-operation and initiatives," he said, referring to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Widodo added in a joint press conference after the meeting that the two countries had agreed to strengthen defence co-operation and existing agreements on border co-operation.

"We agreed to...expedite revision of joint border patrol and crossing agreements, also to strengthen the defence co-operation including on military hardware."

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