Najib-Susilo Inaugural Meeting Opens Up New Chapter In Bilateral Ties

KUALA LUMPUR, May 19 (Bernama) -- Malaysia and Indonesia opened a new chapter in their relations yesterday, with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono holding their inaugural consultation.

The joint statement issued at the end of the meeting, held at Malaysia's administrative capital Putrajaya, showed in no uncertain terms both leaders' determination to the move the relations forward, thorny issues notwithstanding.

The meeting was the first between Najib, who took office on April 3 last year, and Susilo who began his second term as the Indonesian president on Oct 20 also last year.

Officials said the cordial atmosphere at the meeting and the sincerity shown by both leaders were far more profound than the fact that it was their first meeting.

This year, both leaders pledged to renew commitment in resolving maritime border issues.

Najib did not elaborate the details of the technical discussions between officers of both sides, but strong political commitment in resolving the issue would certainly go a long way in crafting a mutually-beneficial solution.

Both leaders expressed satisfaction over the close cooperation shown by police and armed forces of both countries, which they hoped could be further enhanced to deal with trans-border crimes including the threats of terrorism and extremist groups.

They also want the respective security forces to create new mechanisms in the sharing of financial intelligence and in combating money laundering.

Najib and Susilo also took note of the legal process in finding a speedy solution to the occupation of Malaysian Embassy land in Jakarta, and expressed relief of the agreement reached on the provision of a two-year visa period to Malaysian students in Indonesia and vice-versa.

Susilo also thanked Malaysia and its people for the assistance rendered to victims of the earthquake that devastated Padang in West Sumatra in September last year.

Both leaders also urged the business communities of both countries to take advantage of the investment opportunities, with Najib calling for more investment from Indonesian companies.

A former diplomat said the agreement reached by both leaders would undoubtedly facilitate a two-way flow of investments.

Both leaders also concurred with each other that people-to-people relations were important.

Najib and Susilo also expressed support to the effort by the Malaysian Embassy in Jakarta to organise the Bandung Games from Oct 8-10 which will be participated by Malaysian students in Indonesia and their Indonesian friends.

An Indonesian political observer S.M. Dani said he was happy with the accord reached by both leaders, which he said had breathed a new life into the relations of both neighbours.

"Our relations in the new millennium should no longer be bogged down by cultural issues and sentiments but should now move in a more dynamic and strategic way for our common benefit," he said.