Aquino pays tribute to Indon president

MANILA – Philippine President Benigno Aquino on Friday paid his tribute to outgoing Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono during the 7th Bali Democracy Forum.

Aquino said Indonesia has worked with the Philippines to address shared challenges, such as securing maritime borders, combating terrorism, and raising awareness on climate change.

“Indonesia has indeed been a true friend to my people,” he said and acknowledged the role of Indonesia in the government’s peace efforts in Mindanao.

“They have supported us in our efforts towards establishing a just and lasting peace in Mindanao, by previously chairing key committees in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and conducting consultation meetings between my government and the Moro National Liberation Front, and by taking part in the International Monitoring Team in our negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front,” Aquino said.

With the assuring leadership of Yudhoyono, Aquino said the Philippines and Indonesia were able to resolve in an amicable manner the issue concerning the maritime boundaries in the Mindanao Sea and the Celebes Sea.

Aquino was referring to a bilateral accord signed in May this year that draws boundary on the overlapping exclusive economic zones in the Celebes Sea and the Mindanao Sea.

“Under President Yudhoyono, not only has Indonesia seen impressive reforms that have redounded to economic growth; Indonesia has likewise emerged as an influential voice in both regional and international affairs,” he said.