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KUCHING, June 8: The bilateral discussions today in Putrajaya between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Indonesian President Joko Widodo, also known as Jokowi, strengthened bilateral relations further, as both leaders reached an agreement to resolve various issues involving Malaysia and Indonesia that have been pending for decades.
According to a joint statement issued today by Anwar and Jokowi, both leaders witnessed the signing of several instruments.
They are the Agreement between the Government of Malaysia and Government of the Republic of Indonesia on Border Crossing (BCA); Agreement between the Government of Malaysia and the Government of the Republic of Indonesia on Border Trade (BTA); Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Government of Malaysia and the Government of the Republic of Indonesia on Cooperation in Investment Promotion; Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) between the Government of Malaysia and the Government of the Republic of Indonesia on Mutual Recognition of Halal Certification for Domestic Products; Treaty between Malaysia and the Republic of Indonesia Relating to the Delimitation of the Territorial Seas of the Two Countries in the Southernmost Part of the Straits of Melaka (SOM Treaty); and Treaty between Malaysia and the Republic of Indonesia Relating to the Delimitation of the Territorial Seas of the Two Countries in the Sulawesi Sea (Sulawesi Sea Treaty).
As per the statement, both leaders also agreed to cooperate closely to address highly detrimental discriminatory measures against palm oil by the European Union (EU) through the introduction of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). They underlined that the EU needs to promptly address such discriminatory measures and work towards a fair and equitable resolution.
“Both sides reached a significant milestone with the signing of the SOM Treaty and the Sulawesi Sea Treaty after almost two decades of negotiations on maritime boundary delimitation.
“The two leaders expressed commitment to expedite their respective 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 June 2024.”
It went on to say that both leaders also expressed their views that the signing of the Treaties symbolises the harmonious relationship and camaraderie between both countries and provides a solid foundation for future maritime boundary negotiations between the two countries.
“The two leaders also agreed to task their maritime boundary negotiation teams to commence as soon as possible negotiations on all the remaining and outstanding maritime boundaries between both countries simultaneously.”
Furthermore, the two leaders acknowledged the commitment of both parties to improve the protection of basic rights, welfare and livelihood of all Indonesian migrant workers in Malaysia.
Both sides also discussed the recent developments in Myanmar and expressed
concern over the ongoing violence in the country. Both leaders called on Myanmar to fully implement the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) and reiterated their unified position that the 5PC remains ASEAN’s main reference.
Anwar and Jokowi also reaffirmed the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), which provides a guide for ASEAN’s engagement in the Asia-Pacific and the Indian Ocean regions, and external partners to work together with ASEAN to undertake practical cooperation on the four key areas identified in the AOIP. — DayakDaily
