JAKARTA, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- The governments of Indonesia and the Philippines on Friday vowed to step up cooperation to boost security in the regional waters and fight against illegal drug abuse.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo met with his Filipino counterpart Rodrigo Duterte at the State Palace on Friday, expressing commitment to fight against extremism in both nations.
"We expressed commitment to take all necessary steps to ensure security in the two seas and maritime areas of common interest," President Duterte told a joint press conference.
The commitment was made as hijacking, mostly undertaken by Abu Sayyaf bandits in the regional waters, has been on the rise since earlier this year.
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