President Jokowi Receives Courtesy Call from Malaysian Foreign Minister

President Jokowi accompanied by Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi and Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung receives courtesy call from Malaysian Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah at the Merdeka Palace, Monday (18/10). (Photo by: Presidential Secretariat/ Muchlis Jr)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo received courtesy call from Malaysian Foreign Affairs Minister Saifuddin Abdullah at the Merdeka Palace, Monday (18/10). On this occasion, the President was accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno LP Marsudi and Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung.

In the meeting, the President said that Malaysia is Indonesia’s neighbor and he reminded the importance to enhance bilateral relations between the two countries.

“Indonesia and Malaysia will continue to enhance partnership not only for the purposes of bilateral relations but also for keeping peace and welfare in the region,” he said.

After the meeting, Retno Marsudi confirmed a plan of the Prime Minister of Malaysia Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri Yakoob to visit Indonesia next month.

President Jokowi, she added, welcomed the plan provided the visit will show strong relations between the two countries. On this upcoming occasion, both leaders will discuss bilateral, regional, and global issues.

On the meeting with the Malaysian Foreign Minister, President Jokowi had conveyed that both countries need to draw up a safe travel procedure including for business players that prioritizes health factors and taking into account the ongoing pandemic.

Thus, the President expressed hope that during Malaysian PM’s visit to Indonesia, both countries can establish a travel corridor arrangement, recognize vaccine certificates issued by each country, and acknowledge COVID-19 surveillance system of each country in which Indonesia uses PeduliLindungi surveillance app.

In addition, the President also underscored the protection of Indonesian citizens in Malaysia.

“President Jokowi always raises this issue during meetings with the Prime Minister of Malaysia because millions of Indonesian citizens live in Malaysia and protecting them is President Jokowi’s priority. The President expected cooperation to protect them will be strengthened,” Retno remarked. (PRESIDENTIAL SECRETARIAT/UN) (RAS/MMB)