JAKARTA: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. extended his congratulations to Indonesia’s newly inaugurated leaders, President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, during a ceremony held at the House of Representatives Building in Jakarta. President Marcos, accompanied by First Lady Liza Marcos, joined a host of world leaders in attending the event, underscoring the significance of the occasion.
According to Philippines News Agency, the inauguration was also attended by notable figures such as Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. In a social media statement, President Marcos highlighted the Philippines’ longstanding partnership and friendship with Indonesia, emphasizing the importance of strengthening bilateral ties as both countries approach the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations this November.
President Marcos’s presence at the inauguration followed an invitation from the outgoing Indonesian President, Joko Widodo. Notably, Gibran Rak
abuming Raka, President Widodo’s eldest son, made history by becoming Indonesia’s youngest vice president. President Prabowo Subianto had previously visited Manila last month, where he and President Marcos met at Malacañang Palace. During this meeting, both leaders expressed their commitment to enhancing cooperation between their nations.
The Philippines and Indonesia are key members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), with both countries playing foundational roles in the regional bloc. The reaffirmation of ties between these neighboring nations is seen as a significant step towards furthering collaboration on various regional and international issues.