President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday lauded the “mature relationship” between Indonesia and the Philippines that is built on trust and mutual understanding, citing the success of their bilateral and regional collaborations through the years.

In his toast at the state luncheon in honor of Indonesian President Joko Widodo, Marcos hailed the deep historical and cultural bonds between the Philippines and Indonesia while expressing optimism for the further strengthening of the relationship between the two nations.

“We have fostered a mature relationship built on seven and a half decades of trust, mutual understanding, and extensive engagements,” Marcos said, reaffirming their commitment to working closely and actively in the years to come.

Marcos assured Widodo that the Philippines remains committed to working closely with Indonesia to “nurture our bonds of kinship and elevate our relations to new heights.”

He also said he was “pleased” with their cordial and substantive discussions earlier in the day.

He expressed optimism that the positive trajectory of the partnership would continue even as Widodo prepares to hand over the presidency to his successor later this year.

“I have however warned His Excellency that even after his time as president, I will still be knocking on his door to ask for assistance whenever I feel the need,” Marcos added.

Reaffirming the Philippines’ commitment to strengthening its ties with Indonesia, Marcos proposed a toast to Widodo’s health and success, to the well-being of both nations, to the upcoming Indonesian elections, and to the further solidification of the Philippines-Indonesia relationship in the coming decades.