Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) arrived in Kuching of Sarawak State, on Wednesday for the 12th annual consultative meeting with Prime Minister Mohamad Najib Razak and attend the 13th World`s Islamic Economic Forum in the Malaysian city.

In the consultative meeting, the leaders of the two neighboring countries would discuss and evaluate bilateral issues. It is aimed at strengthening relations between the two countries and to explore the opportunities for new mutually beneficial cooperation.

The two leaders are also expected to discuss regional and international issues of interest to each of the countries.

The first annual meeting was held in the Tampaksiring Palace in Bali, Indonesia in 2002, between President Megawati Soekarnoputeri and Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.

The Bali meeting was focused on Indonesian migrant workers in Malaysia, economic and cultural cooperation and cooperation in the fight against international terrorism.

The second meeting was in Kuching, Sarawak, in August 2003, and the following meetings were held in other Indonesian and Malaysian cities.

The annual meetings also produced agreement on military and police cooperation, maritime borders, trade and investment and cooperation in facing international crimes.

In 2014 and 2015, there was no annual consultative meeting. The annual meeting was resumed in 2016 held in Jakarta between President Jokowi and PM Najib focused on defense cooperation, border issues and economic cooperation.

Indonesia and Malaysia established diplomatic ties in 1957 after the former British colony gained independence earlier that year.
22-11-2017 20:04:51

Reporter: Antara
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2017