Najib: Special Ties With Indonesia Will Continue

Jakarta - On his first official visit as prime minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak pledged to sustain a special relationship with Indonesia driven by continuity and a steady stream of new initiatives.

“Let our cooperation be all-encompassing, from the basic to the hi-tech, so that the aspirations of our two countries can be mutually beneficial,” he said at a joint press conference with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

Susilo said the meeting between the two leaders had been held “in a fraternal and productive atmosphere to yield an increased commitment to continue bilateral cooperation”.

Najib said Malaysia proposed to supply electricity to Kalimantan from the Bakun dam, which would be realised to improve the country`s energy mix with hydro-power. Part of its output will be transmitted to Peninsular Malaysia via undersea cable, about 70 per cent of which will cross Indonesian waters.

Also in energy, where the two countries agreed to work together rather than compete, Najib thanked Susilo for allowing Petronas to develop the Natuna gas fields in the South China Sea.

In agriculture, the two countries discussed research and development in production of rice and palm oil. Najib said Malaysia would consider buying Indonesian grain should the need arise and promised assistance to build more palm oil refineries in Indonesia.

Trade between the two countries, which rose from RM39.13 billion in 2007 to RM44.92 billion last year, still shows considerable long-term potential despite the global economic downswing.

Najib`s delegation, which arrived here on Wednesday, included his new cabinet appointments -- Foreign Minister Datuk Anifah Aman, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat, Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Tan Sri Bernard Dompok, International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed, Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Noh Omar, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Human Resources Minister Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam.

The prime minister`s courtesy call on the Indonesian president had been elevated to an official visit. It is a tradition for incoming Asean heads of government to introduce themselves to member nations.

Questioned on the rough patch in relations over the last few years, Susilo reaffirmed his government`s determination to settle disputes amicably.

“Seen against our cooperation as a whole, the problems are very small. I am confident these problems can be resolved in a spirit of amity and brotherhood,” he said.

On Ambalat, the two leaders reiterated that the maritime border between Sabah and Indonesian Kalimantan and Sulawesi would be negotiated between the two governments.

At a separate press conference with Malaysian reporters later, Najib said Indonesia`s concerns about the treatment of its migrant workers were being dealt with according to the law.

“Relations are warm and personable. Of course, there will be problems from time to time.

“But we have the understanding at the highest level, a good personal relationship and the political will to work closely together. I don`t think there are problems that are insurmountable,” he said. Kamrul Idris

Source: http://www.nst.com.my (24 April 2009)

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