Malaysia And Indonesia Achieve Important Agreements In 13th Annual Consultation

From Mohd Iswandi Kasan Anuar

JAKARTA, July 29 (Bernama) -- Malaysia and Indonesia reached several important agreements in the 13th Annual Consultation held in Jakarta, including border issues, expanding economic cooperation and efforts to accelerate the implementation of new energy projects, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He said among the main achievements of the talks were the signing of four memorandums of understanding (MoUs) covering border issues including Pulau Sebatik, health, information and communication and internet governance.

“We touched on various important issues including a US$30 billion bilateral trade target, investment cooperation in Ibu Kota Nusantara (IKN), as well as smoother cross-border access facilities in Entikong,” he said at a press conference after the talks.

Anwar also stressed that Malaysia's investments in strategic sectors in Indonesia were based on a genuine spirit to strengthen regional prosperity.

He said Malaysia's aim was to be an honest and trustworthy development partner in various fields, including renewable energy with Sarawak as an export hub for infrastructure, housing, education and technology.

Regarding the issue of maritime boundaries in the Sulawesi Sea, Anwar said the discussions were conducted based on international law, particularly the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), as well as the interests of both countries.

"Our spirit is to safeguard each other's interests while respecting the boundaries established in accordance with international law. We will continue with that spirit so that there is no tension," he explained.

On the issue of security, Anwar said Malaysia and Indonesia agreed to boost cooperation through the Trilateral Cooperative Arrangement (TCA) framework to maintain peace in the Sulu Sea and Sulawesi Sea.

He stressed that Malaysia's priority remains on strategic security in the Straits of Malacca and the South China Sea, while reminding that the fate of this region must be determined by the region itself and not by external forces.

Regarding the call by a few parties in Indonesia for Malaysia to assist in the issue involving Indonesian businessman Mohd Riza Chalid, the Prime Minister said the matter should be considered within the legal framework.

"So far, we have only been informed in general terms and have not received any clear information regarding the matter. However, we are ready to provide full cooperation because Malaysia and Indonesia are friendly countries," he said.

Previously, the media reported that Mohd Riza Chalid, who was named by Indonesian authorities as a suspect in a corruption case related to the management of PT Pertamina crude oil for the period 2018 to 2023, is now allegedly in Malaysia.

-- BERNAMA