Neighbor or relative?

Although it took place at the beginning of the 75th anniversary of Indonesia-Philippines relations, Indonesian President Joko Widodo's visit to Manila was not limited to celebratory activities.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at Malacanang Palace in Manila, Philippines, on January 10. (Source: AFP)

Jakarta and Manila have long regarded each other as close and important allies in the region. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. once affirmed that Indonesia is not only a neighbor and friend but also a relative. Therefore, both sides are using the visit to deepen and expand their relationship.

First, let's look at the economic sector. Indonesia is the Philippines' fifth-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching US$13.9 billion in 2022, and the 15th-largest investor in the Philippines, with a total investment of US$7.18 billion in 2022.

The two countries also have significant potential for cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, strategic industries, artificial intelligence, digital technology, culture, and labor cooperation. Currently, there are over six thousand Filipinos living and working in Indonesia, mostly professionals.

In particular, in defense and security cooperation, Indonesia has mediated peace negotiations between the Philippine government and Moro rebels. In 1997, the two countries signed a defense agreement, focusing on joint exercises, defense technology development, and logistical cooperation.

For the region, since Indonesia and the Philippines are both founding members of ASEAN, APEC, and ASEM, the visit will further the two countries' shared goal of ensuring that ASEAN "remains a driving force for peace , stability, and prosperity in the region."

Furthermore, as both are island nations in a complex maritime region, the two countries are also interested in cooperating in joint maritime patrols to prevent piracy, kidnapping, and smuggling, as well as finding solutions to disputes in the South China Sea in accordance with international law.

The outcome of the visit will reveal the level of neighborly or familial ties between Jakarta and Manila.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/quan-he-indonesia-philippines-hang-xom-hay-nguoi-than-256992.html