President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. returned to the Philippines early morning on Monday, following his trip to Indonesia where he attended the inauguration of President Prabowo Subianto.
Marcos was accompanied by First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos upon the invitation of former Indonesian President Joko Widodo, whose son Gibran Rakabuming Raka was installed as Prabowo’s Vice President.
The First Couple arrived at around 4:45 a.m. on Monday, October 21, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Acting Secretary Cesar Chavez told GMA News Online. They flew to Jakarta Saturday evening, in time to witness Prabowo being sworn in as President on Sunday.
Indonesian police and military were reported to have deployed at least 100,000 personnel across Jakarta, including snipers and anti-riot units, whose duties included escorting 36 state leaders who attended the inauguration.
“The President’s attendance [at] the inauguration also signifies the Philippines’ sincere commitment to further expand and deepen bilateral relations,” the PCO said in a previous statement.
Marcos, in an Instagram post early Monday, said he and the First Lady felt honored to be at the celebration of Prabowo’s inauguration.
“It was a special evening with our friends from the international community as we celebrated President Prabowo Subianto’s assumption of leadership. Liza and I were honored to be part of such a meaningful event,” he wrote.
“We also acknowledge the contributions of former President Joko Widodo, whose efforts have strengthened Indonesia’s path forward. Here’s to the continued friendship and collaboration between our nations,” Marcos added.
Prabowo flew to Manila last month, making the Philippines his first foreign visit as an elected state leader. Marcos own first foreign trip as President was to Indonesia.
“We have common roots, cultural, historical, and by the fact that we are very close neighbors, it behooves us, I think, to always support each other and to work together closely in all fields,” Prabowo said then.
Latest data available from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) show that the Philippines exported $70.7-million worth of goods, and imported $977.16-million worth of goods in August. This brought year-to-date exports to Indonesia at $474.24 million, and imports to $7.757 billion. —with a report from Anna Felicia Bajo/BM/KG, GMA Integrated News
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