KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) have underscored their commitment to further strengthen bilateral ties to promote peace, security and stability in the region.
In a joint statement marking Jokowi's two-day working visit to Malaysia, the two leaders held discussions today on a range of bilateral issues and later witnessed the signing of six instruments.
On the signing of treaties for the delimitation of territorial seas in the Sulawesi Sea and Straits of Melaka after two decades of negotiations, they expressed commitment to expediting internal processes towards realising the "simultaneous entry into force" of the treaties
"Both leaders are determined to resolve the land boundary issues on OBP Pulau Sebatik, OBP Sungai Sinapad-Sesai and new West Pillar on Pulau Sebatik to AA2 Pillar, as well as issues relating to the intertidal area in the east of Pulau Sebatik and the gap from the low water line to Point M by 2024," the statement said.
It added that Anwar and Jokowi also agreed to task their maritime boundary negotiation teams to commence as soon as possible on all outstanding maritime boundaries between both countries.
Agreements were also reached on border crossing, border trade as well as cooperation in investment promotion and mutual recognition of halal certification for domestic products.
On the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) issue both leaders pledged close cooperation to address the EU's highly detrimental discriminatory measures against palm oil.
Other areas of cooperation discussed included safeguarding the livelihood of fishermen, improving the protection of Indonesian migrant workers in Malaysia and the Myanmar issue.
Voicing their satisfaction at the "solid and significant outcome" of the visit, Anwar and Jokowi are expecting this "milestone" to keep the positive momentum going for both sides to resolve other outstanding bilateral issues ahead of the 13th Leader's Annual Consultation, to be hosted by Indonesia.