Indonesia, Malaysia to Boost Strategic Cooperation

President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto and Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim at the press statement, Petronas Twin Tower, Kuala Lumpur, Monday (01/27). (Photo by: BPMI)

President Prabowo Subianto Monday (27/01) held a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim at the Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

“We have historical, blood, cultural, and even ethnic ties. A lot of Malaysian leaders still have family in Indonesia, if I’m not mistaken. There are so many ties. Such similarities make me feel that this should make the relationship between Malaysia and Indonesia unique,” the President said.

According to the two leaders, one of the meeting results was an agreement to boost cooperation in the energy sector.

“We are committed to guaranteeing cooperation between Petronas and Pertamina. Two state-owned oil and gas companies in the region to agree to explore new things and transfers between countries,” PM Anwar said.

The meeting also discussed cooperation in trade and investment, including the management of the palm oil industry, which is the main commodity of the two countries.

President Prabowo Subianto stated that Indonesia and Malaysia are the largest producers of palm oil, reaching 80 percent of global production.

“When I visited certain countries like Egypt, India, or Pakistan, they always say they need palm oil. So, I think we can do a lot of good. And I want to express appreciation to Malaysia for their continued support in the matters,” the President added.

Furthermore, cooperation in the defense sector was also one of the discussions at the meeting.

“Both parties agreed to deploy all available forces including the defense sector in which Indonesia has a lot of experience and strength,” PM Anwar said, adding that the two leaders also agreed to strengthen coordination in facing geopolitical challenges, including in Palestinian issue.

“We are on the same page on the issue. We continue to support Palestinian independence. And we are very firm that the only solution is a two-state solution,” the President added.

The meeting concluded with an agreement to accelerate the implementation of cooperation through intensive coordination between related ministries in both countries.

“We have both given clear instructions to the Government and related departments, other than the private sector, to make improvements and to the Ministries to ensure whatever is agreed upon as soon as possible,” PM Anwar remarked. (BPMI Presidential Secretariat/DNS) (GWH/EP)