At the 12th Indonesia-Malaysia Annual Leaders Consultation, Both Countries Establish Cooperation in Various Sectors
President Jokowi after a joint press conference with Prime Minister Dato Sri Mohd. Najib in Hilton Hotel, Kuching, Malaysia, Wednesday (22/11) (Photo: BPMI)
Indonesia and Malaysia cooperation is getting stronger as the trade value of the two countries rises more than 21 percent at the first semester of 2017. This statement is delivered by President Joko Jokowi Widodo in a joint press conference with Prime Minister Dato Sri Mohd. Najib in Hilton Hotel, Kuching, Malaysia, on Wednesday (22/11).
Based on the data, Indonesia also has started to export 25 thousand tons of rice to Malaysia in October 2017. This amount is expected to increase every year. Indonesia also hopes that Malaysia can allocate 20 percent of rice import quota or about 150 thousand tons.
On the meeting, both leaders also discuss about border arrangement that is one of issues in Indonesia-Malaysia relations. Indonesia hopes the draft of Border Crossing Agreement, which talks on this matter have completed, to be signed as soon as possible. In the meantime, Border Trade Agreement negotiation is expected to complete in the near future.
On that occasion, President Jokowi also stated that both countries establish a new strategic cooperation that is strengthening partnerships for palm oil by founding Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC). Even, in November 2017, Indonesia becomes the host of CPOPCs Ministerial Meeting which invites other palm oil producer countries. The President calls on all parties to unite to fight against black campaign on palm oil.
Another important issue discussed on the meeting is related with protection for Indonesian citizens who stay and work in Malaysia. This issue is important because protection of Indonesian citizens is the priority of the Indonesian Government. President Jokowi also asks Prime Minister Najib to pay attention to the rights of the children of Indonesian workers to have acces to education.
In the meantime, PM Najib also says that President Jokowi comes to Kuching, Malaysia, to attend the 12th annual leaders consultation of the two countries and also to celebrate 60th anniversary of Indonesia-Malaysia diplomatic relations.
The meeting runs smoothly and shows that bilateral relations between Indonesia-Malaysia is in a very good condition. Cooperation between the two countries in various sectors, such as politics, economy, social, security, and border has shown a significant progress. Both Governments want to more enhance the cooperation so that there will be more opportunities and potentials that can be realized. (BPMI/EN) (MMB/YM/Naster)
