Manila:Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro formally received new Indonesian Minister for Foreign Affairs Arrmanatha 'Tata' Christiawan Nasir on Monday, marking his introductory visit to Manila following his appointment last month.

According to Philippines News Agency, Lazaro and Nasir engaged in productive discussions focused on the progress of bilateral relations, emphasizing the historical, cultural, and geographical bonds between the Philippines and Indonesia. The two nations are maritime neighbors and founding members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The foreign affairs chiefs reviewed the key outcomes from the 8th Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) held on April 23 in Jakarta. They expressed their commitment to enhance collaboration in areas such as political and economic cooperation, maritime security, border management, boundary delimitation, legal and consular cooperation, development in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), and people-to-people relations.

Both ministers agreed to expedite efforts towards a new Philippines-Indonesia Plan of Action for the next five years. This plan aims to reinforce bilateral ties, particularly in achieving regional peace, stability, and prosperity. They also exchanged views on regional and global issues, including those within ASEAN and the UN, and emphasized the significance of addressing transboundary haze and advancing progress in Myanmar.

At the forthcoming 49th ASEAN Summit in November, Lazaro welcomed Indonesia's support for the Philippines' chairship, emphasizing their shared commitment to ASEAN unity and centrality in tackling regional challenges. The Philippines and Indonesia, who established diplomatic relations on November 24, 1949, will celebrate 77 years of formal ties this month.