Indonesia, Malaysia sign six MoUs as outcome of Jokowi’s visit to Malaysia
Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: President Joko Widodo’s (Jokowi’s) official visit to Seri Perdana, Putrajaya, which is Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s office complex, on Thursday, resulted in the signing of six memoranda of understanding (MoUs).
According to the Presidential Secretariat, out of the six pacts, the first MoU on cross-border agreements was signed by Indonesian Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian and Malaysian Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution.
The second MoU on border trade agreements was inked by Indonesian Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan and Malaysian Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry Tengku Zafrul Aziz.
Moreover, two MoUs on marine borders related to the sea boundary agreement for the southern Malacca Strait segment area and the Sulawesi Sea segment area were signed by Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi and Malaysian Foreign Affairs Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir.
The fifth MoU on investment promotion cooperation was signed by Minister of Investment and Head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Bahlil Lahadalia and Malaysian Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry Tengku Zafrul Aziz.
Finally, the sixth MoU on halal certification was inked by Head of the Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) of the Religious Affairs Ministry Muhammad Aqil Irham and Head of Malaysia’s Department of Islamic Development Hakimah Mohd Yusoff.
President Jokowi lauded the completion of border negotiations, including on territorial sea boundaries in the Sulawesi Sea and the southern Malacca Strait, after 18 years of talks.
“After 18 years of negotiations, now it can be completed, Alhamdulillah (Thank God). Thanks to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who has worked quickly and was assisted by the ministers,” Jokowi said during a press conference with PM Anwar.
Meanwhile, PM Anwar said that the achievement of the six MoUs being inked was proof that President Jokowi’s arrival was not merely a working visit, but rather, a visit from a family member or close friend.
“I see President Jokowi as a true friend, and our negotiations are familial and friendly. This is proven by the increase in cooperation and understanding in such a short period of time,” Anwar affirmed.
