Metro Manila, Philippines — The government is expected to sign a number of economic deals with Indonesia and Singapore during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s state visits in the coming days, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Friday.
DFA Spokesperson and Ambassador Ma. Teresita Daza told reporters that strengthening economic cooperation is among the focus of Marcos’ trips, and that the Department of Trade and Industry has prepared related agreements to be signed in both countries.
“These will actually be tailored to the priority areas of this administration,” she said in a media briefing. “So, these could include infrastructure, renewable energy, food and security, and fertilizer importation, among others.”
Besides Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo, members of Marcos’ economic team are seen to join the Philippine delegation, Daza said.
These include Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno, Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo Pascual, Budget and Management Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, National Economic and Development Authority Chief Arsenio Balisacan, and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Felipe Medalla.
Marcos is scheduled to be in Indonesia from Sept. 4-6 after being invited by Indonesian President Joko Widodo. His next state visit is to Singapore on Sept. 6-7.
The DFA earlier said Marcos is seen to ink key agreements with his counterparts, including on the areas of security and defense, culture, and data privacy.
The leaders will also exchange views on important geopolitical issues, which Daza said will include the West Philippine Sea.
“As all are actually leaders and members of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), there will clearly be discussion on key regional issues of mutual interest, including the West Philippine Sea or South China Sea issue, cognizant that all three countries actually have the common goal to maintain peace and stability and prevent incidents in this particular part of the world,” Daza said.
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