KUALA LUMPUR: The agreement reached between Malaysia and Indonesia to release fishermen arrested by either country for trespassing, demonstrated the mutual understanding shared by both nations.
Fisheries Development Board chairman Datuk Seri Dr Irmohizam Ibrahim said the move also reflected the close friendship enjoyed between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Indonesian president Joko Widodo.
Irmohizam said the good ties enabled the outcome to be reached at the 12th Malaysia-Indonesia Annual Leaders' Consultation here yesterday.
He said that Najib's attentiveness to the welfare of the fishermen had also been acknowledged by Joko, who stated that fishermen were among the people who require assistance.
"Such negotiations cannot be successful if ties between the countries are at less than satisfactory level."
"This consensus is further proof that the government under Najib's leadership will not abandon its people experiencing hardship and such qualities have to be commended," said Irmohizam.