Jakarta: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto have expressed a strong commitment to enhance strategic cooperation between Malaysia and Indonesia, focusing on joint development in the maritime border area of Ambalat.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, in a joint press conference after a bilateral meeting at Istana Merdeka, Anwar emphasized the importance of economic cooperation in the maritime border area to benefit the people. He highlighted the need to overcome any deadlock in negotiations related to principles, regulations, and laws to accelerate economic cooperation, particularly through a joint development authority.

Anwar remarked that waiting for a complete resolution in the Ambalat area could take up to two decades, urging both nations to capitalize on the current opportunity to achieve mutually beneficial results. Prabowo echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of finding technical solutions to border and maritime issues and initiating economic cooperation through a joint-development mechanism.

The leaders also underscored their commitment to boost cooperation in research, education, culture, trade, and investment amid global economic uncertainties, including tariffs imposed by the United States. Additionally, Anwar and Prabowo agreed to convene the 13th Malaysia-Indonesia Annual Consultations next month.

Addressing the Myanmar issue, Anwar stated Malaysia’s determination to resolve the dispute amicably, with support from Indonesia, which has expertise in conflict management. He also mentioned concerns about the border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, stressing the need for diplomatic engagement to ease tensions.

Anwar’s visit to Jakarta was accompanied by key Malaysian ministers, including Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, and concluded with their return to Kuala Lumpur from Halim Perdanakusuma Airport in East Jakarta.