Anwar begins Jakarta visit for key talks with Prabowo

New Straits Times

5 hours ago

JAKARTA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is undertaking a two-day working visit to Jakarta today to attend the 13th Annual Consultation with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.
This marks the first consultation between the two leaders since each assumed leadership of their respective countries.
Key agenda items include continuing discussions on outstanding issues, as well as addressing regional matters requiring Malaysia's attention as Asean Chair this year.
The Prime Minister is accompanied by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg; Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor; Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan; Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail; Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz; and Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.
Malaysia's Ambassador to Indonesia, Datuk Syed Mohamad Hasrin Tengku Hussin, said the Annual Consultation is the highest bilateral mechanism between Malaysia and Indonesia, aimed at strengthening strategic and comprehensive cooperation. He made the remarks during a media briefing here yesterday.
Syed Mohamad Hasrin said the meeting has been held alternately between the two countries since 2006 and reflects a strong political commitment to enhance cooperation across multiple sectors including trade, food security, and education.
"Both leaders are expected to exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual concern," he said.
A joint statement will be issued at the end of the consultation session.
The last Annual Consultation was held in 2017, making this a timely opportunity for both leaders to reinforce strategic ties and explore new areas of cooperation in the face of current regional and global challenges.
Syed Mohamad Hasrin added that the two leaders will also witness the exchange of four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) involving land boundary matters, health cooperation, and information and communications technology.
During the visit, the prime minister is scheduled to visit the Asean Secretariat in Jakarta at the invitation of Asean secretary-general Dr Kao Kim Hourn.
Anwar is also set to deliver a keynote address on Asean in the context of Malaysia's Asean Chairmanship in 2025, highlighting the country's continued commitment to regional integration and the building of the Asean Community.
In 2024, Indonesia was Malaysia's sixth-largest trading partner globally and second-largest among Asean member states. Bilateral trade increased by 4.5 per cent from RM111.21 billion in 2023 to RM116.29 billion in 2024.