Pandemic recovery on the agenda

Very important people: Marcos Jr, Araneta, Jokowi and Iriana posing at the Presidential Palace in Bogor, West Java. — AFP

Philippine leader Ferdinand Marcos Jr affirmed deepening economic and security ties with Indonesia during the first overseas trip of his presidency, while expressing concern about the persistent difficulties South-East Asian nations have faced after pandemic.

Indonesia is the region’s largest economy and a traditional first diplomatic destination for new leaders in the 10-member Association of South-East Asia Nations.