JCBC is an annual consultation forum between Indonesian and Malaysian foreign ministers.
In his opening remarks here on Wednesday, Abdullah expressed his condolences for the victims of the earthquakes in Lombok and Central Sulawesi, and invited JCBC participants to pray for the victims and families with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah.
At the joint commission, the two foreign ministers discussed several issues, such as the protection of migrant workers, education, trade and investment, promotion of palm oil, border areas, the study of cross-border agreements, and the prevention of trafficking.
The two foreign ministers also discussed a number of regional and international issues which are of common interest, including issues in Rakhine State, Myanmar, and the Palestinian issues.
Marsudi appreciated some of the achievements of the two countries, such as the agreement on the settlement of maritime delimitation in the Sulawesi Sea and the southern Malacca Strait, which had been through 13 years of negotiations, and the completion of studies on Border Crossing Agreements and Border Trade Agreements.
Regarding the land boundaries, both countries have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Number 21 concerning International Demarcation and Boundary Surveys, as well as agreement to settle two out of five Outstanding Boundaries Problems (OBP) on the North Kalimantan - Sabah border.
The Indonesian Foreign Minister hoped that the two countries would continue to strengthen cooperation in facing negative campaigns against palm oil. Marsudi also welcomed the joining of Colombia as a member of the Council of Palm Oil-Producing Countries.
Regarding regional issues, the two countries have agreed to create peace and prosperity in the Southeast Asia region by promoting ASEAN`s centrality.
In addition, the two countries have agreed to support Palestinian independence based on the two-state solutions.
The two countries also agreed to encourage Rakhine refugees? return to their home country through the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Center).
Several MoUs that will be resolved soon include protection of Indonesian migrant workers, prevention of human trafficking and Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing (IUUF), education, and conservation of Sumatran rhinos.
On the previous day, senior ministerial officials from the two countries met at the Senior Official Meeting (SOM) to discuss the cooperation between the two countries in detail as outlined in the RoD.
The results of the JCBC meeting will be delivered at the Annual Consultation meeting of the Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Malaysian PM Tun Mahathir Mohammad next year.
Reporting by Agus Setiawan
Editing by Eliswan
Reporter: Antara
Editor: Eliswan Azly
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