Manila, Jakarta discuss details of fishing agreement

Representatives of the Indonesia and the Philippines have discussed details of an agreement that would allow Filipino fishermen in Indonesian waters, particularly in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), bordering the Muslim-dominated southern Philippines, a senior official said.

"We have not yet agreed on the number of fishing boats from the southern Philippines that will be allowed to fish in Indonesia's exclusive economic zone," said Foreign Secretary Blas Ople, adding that both camps also discussed other details such as the amount of catch that would be allowed in Indonesia's EEZ.

"This agreement will give a tremendous boost to the Philippine canning industry in the south," Ople said.

On the other hand, Indonesia is interested in the Philippine technology for coconut processing, said Ople.

Both countries are interested in forging a long-term agreement on gas supplies and geothermal energy development, said Ople. The two countries began their two-day talks on cooperation on Friday.