Mega, Arroyo vow to work as 'sisters'<\/p>\n
MANILA (JP): Indonesian President Megawati Soekarnoputri and
\nPhilippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo promised here on
\nTuesday to be like sisters to each other and continue to provide
\nmutual support in leading their troubled countries.<\/p>\n
In a joint press statement at Malacanang Palace, the two
\nPresidents agreed to continue the friendship of their fathers,
\nwho were former presidents of the respective countries, by
\nenhancing bilateral ties.<\/p>\n
\"We agreed that since our fathers, President Sukarno and
\nPresident Macapagal, were like brothers, we should also be like
\nsisters supporting each other in finding solutions to the
\nproblems that we inherited in our respective countries,\" Gloria
\nsaid.<\/p>\n
Megawati and Arroyo share similar backgrounds. They were both
\npresident's daughters and were both former vice presidents who
\nplayed a pivotal role in ousting the presidents of their
\nrespective countries and then became president.<\/p>\n
Referring to Megawati as \"the champion of democracy\", Gloria
\nthanked the Indonesian government for facilitating the peace
\nagreement between the Philippine government and the Moro National
\nLiberation Front (MNLF).<\/p>\n
\"We will reminisce the common struggle to share the fight
\nagainst poverty, oppression and injustice,\" Gloria said.<\/p>\n
Megawati said in her statement that Indonesia would work
\nclosely with the Philippines, especially within the framework of
\nthe Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).<\/p>\n
\"The years ahead will pose new challenges for ASEAN. Indonesia
\nwill continue to work closely with the Philippines to contribute
\nto the stability and well-being of ASEAN,\" Megawati said.<\/p>\n
\"We will also ensure that ASEAN plays an important role in the
\nregion and in international fora such as APEC, ASEM and WTO,\" the
\nIndonesian President continued.<\/p>\n
Megawati was welcomed at Villamor airport by Vice President
\nand Foreign Minister Teofisto T. Guingona before proceeding to
\nMalacanang Palace to meet Arroyo.<\/p>\n
The two leaders held bilateral talks at the state dining room
\nat the Palace.<\/p>\n
The Philippines is the first stop in Megawati's trip to ASEAN
\ncountries; her first official visit to foreign countries as
\nPresident. Megawati will visit Vietnam on Wednesday. (dja)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/mega-arroyo-vow-to-work-as-sisters-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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