President Prabowo, Malaysian PM Reaffirm Commitment to Bolster ASEAN’s Role, Regional Stability

President Prabowo Subianto holds a tête-à-tête with Prime Minister of Malaysia Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Tuesday (07/29). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

President Prabowo Subianto Tuesday (07/29) received Prime Minister of Malaysia Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, for a bilateral meeting marked by warm dialogue.

During their tête-à-tête, the two leaders discussed a range of strategic issues, including efforts to strengthen ASEAN’s role and deepen bilateral cooperation between the two neighboring countries.

President Prabowo opened the meeting by expressing his appreciation for Prime Minister Anwar’s leadership within ASEAN, particularly Malaysia’s efforts in regional peacebuilding.

“First, I would like to congratulate Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim for his leadership in ASEAN. He succeeded in mediating and achieving a ceasefire in the conflict between Thailand and Cambodia. This is something we should truly appreciate,” President Prabowo stated.

On that occasion, President Prabowo emphasized that Indonesia stands ready to fully support Malaysia’s efforts as the current Chair of ASEAN and described Malaysia’s recent achievement as a significant step in promoting regional peace and stability.

“Thank you. We are ready to assist, wherever we are and in whatever way we can, Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, not only as Prime Minister of Malaysia, but also as the current Chair of ASEAN. This is a very important breakthrough. We want ASEAN to always resolve conflicts peacefully, through amicable consultation, deliberation, and negotiation,” the President said.

In response, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim underscored the importance of cooperation among Southeast Asian countries in safeguarding regional security, while adding that maintaining peace in the region is a shared responsibility.

“Now, in monitoring the security situation, ASEAN countries, especially Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei, and the Philippines, will take joint responsibility for overseeing the peace process,” PM Anwar said.

In addition to regional matters, both leaders reiterated their commitment to resolving various bilateral issues, while prioritizing the principle of deliberation.

“In essence, we expect to resolve issues through consultation, negotiation, and deliberation. I believe that’s our shared principle, especially since we have common roots in culture, religion, and ethnicity,” President Prabowo remarked.

This tête-à-tête reaffirmed Indonesia’s and Malaysia’s shared commitment to maintaining solidarity, strengthening ASEAN’s role, and promoting peaceful dialogue and negotiation as the foundation for resolving all matters. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (RIF/MUR)