PH, Indonesia seek to deepen ties under 5-year action plan

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The Philippines and Indonesia reaffirmed their commitment to boost bilateral ties, including cooperation on maritime security, economic relations and border management.

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Indonesia's new Foreign Minister Arrmanatha “Tata” Christiawan Nasir met in Manila on Monday during the Indonesian diplomat's introductory visit following his appointment as the country's top diplomat last month, the DFA said.

The two officials discussed progress in bilateral relations, citing the Philippines and Indonesia's historical, cultural and geographical ties as maritime neighbors and founding members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

They also recalled the outcomes of the 8th Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation held in Jakarta on April 23, 2026, and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen cooperation in political and economic affairs, maritime security, border management, boundary delimitation, legal and consular matters, development in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), and people-to-people relations.

The two foreign ministers agreed to expedite the adoption of a new five-year Philippines-Indonesia Plan of Action to serve as a framework for further strengthening their partnership and advancing regional peace, stability and prosperity.

They also exchanged views on regional and global issues, particularly within ASEAN and the United Nations, including efforts to address transboundary haze and make meaningful progress on the situation in Myanmar.

Lazaro likewise welcomed Indonesia's continued support for the Philippines' ASEAN chairship ahead of the 49th ASEAN Summit this month.

Both officials underscored their shared commitment to preserving ASEAN unity and centrality in addressing regional challenges. —LDF, GMA News