KUALA LUMPUR: Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, in his inaugural visit to Indonesia since assuming office, met with several leaders to bolster Malaysia's partnership with Indonesia while enhancing cooperation at the Asean-level.
Wisma Putra said Mohamad's courtesy call to Indonesian President Joko Widodo was a highlight of the visit as both leaders discussed various aspects in bilateral cooperation.
Among other things, Mohamad and Jokowi emphasised the necessity of intensifying trade activities in Tebedu and Entikong - both of which are located at the Indonesia-Malaysia border in Borneo -
to achieve the goal of US$30 billion in annual trade.
The Malaysian foreign minister also held discussions with his Indonesian counterpart Retno L. P. Marsudi and their meeting covered bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest.
"The meeting was an opportunity for both sides to take stock of the progress of bilateral cooperation and explore new potential avenues towards further strengthening the existing partnership.
"Besides bilateral issues, the foreign minister also exchanged views with Jokowi and his Indonesian counterpart on regional and global developments, focusing on the situation in Myanmar and conflict in Palestine.
"Both countries also reiterated their commitment to jointly address discrimination against palm oil. Malaysia and Indonesia are the world's main exporting nations of the commodity," said Wisma Putra.
Mohamad also discussed the resolution of the crisis in Myanmar through Asean with his Indonesian counterpart, emphasising the importance of Asean unity in addressing the issue.
He reiterated Malaysia's position, which is shared by Indonesia, regarding the struggle of the Palestinian people and their inalienable right to a free and independent state of Palestine.
Accompanying Mohamad during his trip were senior officials from the ministry.
In 2023, Indonesia was ranked as Malaysia's third-largest trading partner among Asean member states, with total trade amounting to RM 111.21 billion (US$24.39 billion).