Duterte, Widodo reaffirm commitment vs terrorism — Palace

FILE: President Rodrigo Duterte (right) with Indonesian President Joko Widodo (left) in Malacañang for a bilateral meeting on April 28, 2017 ahead of the 30th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Meetings. (Presidential photo)

MANILA — Malacañang on Thursday said the phone call between President Rodrigo Duterte and Indonesian President Joko Widodo reaffirmed their commitment to fight the rising threat of terrorism and violent extremism in the region.

Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said Duterte and Widodo had a “productive and fruitful” phone conversation Wednesday night with both leaders vowing to further strengthen ties in the fight against terrorism.

“They both reaffirmed the need to step up operation to address threats posed by terrorism and violent extremism,” Abella said in a Palace briefing.

He added that the Indonesian leader also vowed his continuing support for a lasting peace in Mindanao peace process.

“And Widodo also reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to support the Philippines in countering terrorism, including restoring peace and stability in the Southern Philippines,” Abella said.

Meanwhile, the Palace official said Duterte and Widodo are also looking forward to the trilateral meeting between Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines to be held Thursday in Manila.

The trilateral meeting is aimed at fostering cooperation on countering terrorism among regional neighboring states.

“The President welcomed the Indonesian President’s expression of commitment and emphasized the Philippine government’s full resolve to work closer together with Indonesia and like-minded states to address these issues,” Abella said.