Foreign Minister Retno Is Targeting The Signing Of The MoU For The Settlement Of Border Issues With Malaysia Next Year

Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi with Malaysian Foreign Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir. (Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs RI/ABI)

JAKARTA - Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for resolving border problems with Malaysia next year is targeted next year, after receiving a visit from Malaysian Foreign Minister Dato' Seri Diraja Dr. Zambry Abdul Kadir, Wednesday.

Foreign Minister Retno said that Indonesia's maritime and land border problems with Malaysia were discussed in this meeting.

"The negotiations on maritime boundaries have been going on since 2005. Therefore, it is important to accelerate the settlement of negotiations," Foreign Minister Retno explained in a virtual press statement with Foreign Minister Zamtry in Jakarta, Thursday, December 29.

Foreign Minister Retno underlined that the completion of maritime borders in the Sulawesi Sea and the southernmost part of the Malacca Strait is important to be resolved immediately.

Meanwhile, regarding land borders, continued Foreign Minister Retno, both of them agreed to encourage the completion of the Sebatik and Sinapad-After Demarcation Segment.

"We are targeting the signing of the MoU next year," he said.

Regarding cross-border cooperation, the two foreign ministers are committed to finalizing the Border Crossing Agreement and Border Trade Agreement.

"These two agreements will support cross-border and economic activities of our citizens in border areas," said Foreign Minister Retno.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Foreign Minister Dato' Seri Zambry said that his party was committed to resolving the land and maritime border problems of the two countries.

"I guarantee that Malaysia will continue to be committeeed to reach a solution to prioritize restrictions on maritime and land border," he said.