October 26, 2009 13:34 PM

Malaysia- Indonesia Relations Cordial, Dewan Rakyat Told

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 26 (Bernama) -- Deputy Foreign Minister Senator A. Kohilan Pillay said today relations between Malaysia and Indonesia remained cordial despite the attempts by a small group of people in Indonesia to undermine the ties through provocation in the media.

He said the relations at the highest level, between Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, were at the best.

"They often consult each other over the telephone to discuss directly any matter or problem which requires immediate attention," he said when replying to a question from Datuk Mohamad Aziz (BN-Sri Gading) who had wanted to know the extent of cordiality in the bilateral relations.

Kohilan Pillay said the relations were consolidated through several mechanisms, such as the annual consultations between the two top leaders, the joint commission meetings and through the cooperation of the Eminent Persons Group (EPG).

At the level of the people, he said, there were almost 15,000 students from Indonesia in various institutions of higher learning in Malaysia and 6,000 Malaysian students in Indonesia.

"It is hoped that the Indonesian students will become friends of Malaysia and the Malaysian students will serve as our 'ambassadors' in strengthening bilateral relations," he said.

He also said that the foreign ministry used the diplomatic channel to resolve sensitive issues which cropped up between the two countries.

The ministry had also taken several immediate initiatives in overcoming sensitive issues, such as issuing statements to the local and international media, he said.

-- BERNAMA

We provide (subscription-based) 
news coverage in our Newswire service.