Malaysian FM Meets Indonesian President to Discuss Regional and International Issues

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Malaysian Foreign Affairs Minister Mohammad bin Hasan held a crucial meeting with Indonesian President Joko Widodo to address a spectrum of issues ranging from the Myanmar crisis to advocating for a ceasefire in Palestine. The discussions took place at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday, underscoring the commitment of both nations to regional stability and international humanitarian causes.

Minister Mohammad bin Hasan highlighted the purpose of his visit, stating, “I am conveying a ‘status report’ on two issues, namely regional relations and Malaysia-Indonesia relations with international communities. The regional issue is related to Myanmar, while the international communities will discuss Palestine.”

Addressing regional concerns, Hasan informed that a troika mechanism has been established to address the ongoing turmoil in Myanmar. The mechanism involves key ASEAN stakeholders, with Indonesia representing the previous chair, Laos as the current chair, and Malaysia slated to hold the position next year. The troika is dedicated to devising a sustainable solution to the Myanmar conflict based on the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus.

Minister Hasan emphasized, “This mechanism reflects our collective commitment to finding a resolution to the situation in Myanmar, adhering to the principles outlined in the Five-Point Consensus.”

In addition to the Myanmar crisis, Hasan reaffirmed Malaysia and Indonesia’s joint efforts in advocating for a ceasefire in Palestine at global forums. Describing it as a humanitarian issue, he stressed, “For us, this is a humanitarian issue. This is not a religious issue. Palestinians have the right to live and stay in their homeland.”

The meeting between Minister Hasan and President Widodo was also attended by Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi. Minister Marsudi characterized the visit as an introductory one, acknowledging Hasan’s recent appointment as the Malaysian Minister of Foreign Affairs. Hasan, who officially assumed the role in December 2023, previously served as the Minister of Defense from 2022 to 2023.

“This is an introductory visit because Minister Hasan is relatively new as Minister of Foreign Affairs. Previously, he served as the Malaysian Defense Minister. This is also not his first time being here,” informed Minister Retno Marsudi.

The meeting underscored the strong diplomatic ties between Malaysia and Indonesia and their joint commitment to addressing regional challenges and advocating for global peace and humanitarian causes.