Aquino welcomes Indonesian President Widodo to Malacañang

February 9, 2015 — President Joko Widodo of the Republic of Indonesia was in Malacañan Palace today, as part of his first state visit to the Philippines.
After arrival honors led by President Benigno S. Aquino III, President Widodo signed the Palace Guest Book, and, with President Aquino, witnessed a signing of agreements between the Philippines and Indonesia, at the Palace Reception Hall.
After an expanded bilateral meeting, the two leaders delivered remarks, after which President Aquino hosted a state dinner in honor of President Widodo and his spouse.
(Photos by the Malacañang Photo Bureau).

MANILA — President Benigno S. Aquino III received Indonesian President Joko Widodo at Malacañang Palace on Monday afternoon.

After the customary welcome ceremony at the palace grounds, President Aquino led the Indonesian leader and First Lady Iriana Joko Widodo to the Recption Hall to sign the guest book.

The two heads of state then proceeded to the Music Hall for President Widodo’s courtesy call on President Aquino. With them were Indonesian Ambassador to the Philippines Johny Lumintang, Labor Minister Hanif Dhakiri, Education Minister Anies Baswedan, Trade Minister Rachmat Gobel, Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi, and Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Sofyan Djalil.

Also present during the courtesy call were Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Budget Secretary Florencio Abad, Transportation Secretary Joseph Emiliio Abaya, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, and Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala, Jr.

President Aquino and President Widodo then proceeded to the Aguinaldo Room for their Expanded Bilateral Meeting.

Meanwhile, the president’s sister Maria Elena “Ballsy” Aquino-Cruz gave the Indonesian First Lady a tour of Malacañang Palace.