"Indonesia and Malaysia want to collaborate against the tapping activity in our regions. Mutual trust and respect are important. I intend to put forth this thought in the upcoming ASEAN Summit in Myanmar," President Yudhoyono said.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesia and Malaysia have agreed to bring up the anti-tapping issue at the ASEAN Summit 2014 in Myanmar, confirmed President Yudhoyono, here on Thursday, after the meeting with Malaysias Prime Minister Najib Razak, in Jakarta.

"Indonesia and Malaysia want to collaborate against the tapping activity in our regions. Mutual trust and respect are important. I intend to put forth this thought in the upcoming ASEAN Summit in Myanmar," stated Yudhoyono.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Najib Razak confirmed his support for Indonesias proposal to raise the anti-tapping issue at the ASEAN meeting next year.

Three ASEAN members, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore are on the vortex of the wire tapping issue during the past two months, after Australian media houses, The Sydney Morning Herald and The Guardian, reported that Indonesia and Malaysia have been the key targets for Australian and U.S. intelligence cooperation, supported by Singapore.

The media published the information based on the documents that were leaked by former U.S. intelligence contractor Edward Snowden.

Responding to the report, Indonesia announced that it had ceased cooperation with Australia in key sectors, such as the handling of illegal immigrants, exchange of intelligence information and joint military exercises. President Yudhoyono also stated that he would resume bilateral cooperation with Australia only if the latter made a commitment not to spy on Indonesia in the future.

Meanwhile, Malaysia summoned Singapore's high commissioner to respond to the spying allegation.

"It cannot be further emphasized that spying against a good friend and neighbor is unacceptable and, it goes against the true spirit of and commitment to good neighborly relations," stated Malaysian Foreign Minister Anifah Aman, according to a quote from Bloomberg news agency. (*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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