Indonesian president arrives in Malacañang for bilateral talks with PNoy

As part of his first state visit to the Philippines, Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Friday morning arrived in Malacañang to hold bilateral talks with President Benigno Aquino III.

 

Yudhoyono, who is also in Manila for the World Economic Forum on East Asia, arrived at 9 a.m. and was welcomed by Aquino at the Palace grounds. 

 

He and Aquino are expected to hold an expanded bilateral meeting and sign agreements. They will also deliver joint statements after.

 

Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda earlier said the two leaders will discuss "matters of mutual concern, including political, defense and border, maritime, economic, and socio-cultural cooperation." 

 

On Friday night, the President will host a state dinner in Yudhoyono's honor.

 

It will be Yudhoyono’s first bilateral visit to the Philippines since he became Indonesia’s president for two consecutive terms in 2004 and 2009. Aquino, on the other hand, undertook his state visit to Indonesia in March 2011.

 

Indonesia was the 13th major trading partner of the Philippines in 2013, with a total trade of $3.512 billion.  There are at least 9,844-Filipinos living and working in Indonesia.  — Kimberly Jane Tan/RSJ, GMA News