Indonesian and Malaysian Foreign Ministers Agree to Strengthen Partnership for People and Regions

JAKARTA - The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia and Malaysia agreed to strengthen partnership for people and the region, after holding the 17th Meeting of the Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) Indonesia-Malaysia at the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jakarta, Thursday.

This meeting was led directly by the Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono and his counterpart, Minister of Foreign Affairs Dato' Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan.

This meeting confirms the close relationship between Indonesia and Malaysia as neighboring countries, kindred countries, fellow founders of ASEAN, and strategic partners.

In the midst of increasing global dynamics and uncertainty, the two countries agreed to continue to strengthen bilateral cooperation, as well as maintain ASEAN unity and centrality.

"The relationship between Indonesia and Malaysia is a deeper relationship than just the bilateral relationship between the two countries, because Indonesia and Malaysia share DNA, culture, language, borders, and many things in common," explained Foreign Minister Sugiono, launching the statement of the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thursday (4/6).

As a follow-up to the 13th Annual Consultation between President Prabowo Subianto and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim last year, the two Foreign Ministers reviewed the development of bilateral relations and discussed various priority agendas. The discussion covers the resolution of land and maritime border issues, the protection of Indonesian citizens and migrant workers (PMI), including access to education for PMI children, to strengthening economic and investment cooperation, energy, connectivity, halal industry, health, education, science and technology, and tourism.

The meeting also noted progress in a number of areas of strategic cooperation, including land and maritime border management, strengthening connectivity through the Dumai-Melaka and Johor-Batam Roll-on/Roll-off initiative, and strengthening defense and security cooperation, including in the maritime sector.

Apart from bilateral issues, the two foreign ministers exchanged views on various regional and global developments. Indonesia and Malaysia emphasized the centrality of ASEAN in maintaining regional stability, encouraging peace efforts in Myanmar, supporting de-escalation of conflicts in the Middle East, and reaffirming support for the Palestinian people's struggle.

The two countries also agreed to continue to strengthen coordination in various international forums to fight for the common interests of Global South countries.

Closing the meeting, the two Foreign Ministers reiterated their commitment to continue strengthening the Indonesia-Malaysia partnership which provides tangible benefits for the people of both countries and contributes to peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.