President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday expressed optimism that the Philippines’ relations with Indonesia will be “stronger and deeper” under the leadership of Indonesian president-elect Prabowo Subianto.

In a meeting at Malacañan Palace in Manila, Marcos and Prabowo affirmed their vision for the two nations’ greater ties.

“I think it bodes well for our two countries that you have come to visit with the Philippines and (it) shows that the growing relationship between our two countries has been at a very strong level for many many years and many many aspects of the people-to-people, on the political, on the diplomatic,” Marcos told Prabowo who paid him a courtesy call at Malacañan.

“I think your visit here today will certainly bring a new impetus to making that relationship between Indonesia and the Philippines stronger and deeper,” he said.

Prabowo thanked Marcos for welcoming him despite the short notice of his visit to Malacañan.

He said his courtesy call on Marcos is a custom of meeting Indonesia’s “friends” before his inauguration in October this year.

Prabowo assured Marcos of his commitment to strengthen the close relationship between the Philippines and 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.

Prabowo’s five-year term will start on Oct. 20. (PNA)