PUTRAJAYA, June 11 – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has hailed President Joko Widodo of Indonesia, affectionately known as Jokowi, as a true friend following a two-day working visit to Malaysia. During a press conference, Anwar expressed his admiration for Jokowi, describing their bilateral negotiations as taking place in an atmosphere of genuine camaraderie and friendship. Anwar emphasized that the true friendship between him and President Jokowi was evident in the swift achievement of understanding and cooperation between their respective countries.
He stated, “President Jokowi is a true friend of Indonesia. I do not consider this a typical working visit because I regard Jokowi and his Indonesian friends as true friends, and our negotiations have the warmth and familiarity of family and friends.” His words were met with resounding applause from representatives of both nations. Anwar also praised Jokowi’s decision to engage with the people by visiting Chow Kit and Kampung Baru in Kuala Lumpur during his work visit. He commended Jokowi’s willingness to connect with the grassroots and said, “Today’s presidential event was extraordinary and relaxed.
When I asked where he wanted to go, Jokowi expressed his desire to visit Chow Kit and Kampung Baru. This is a testament to the character of the Indonesian President. Despite his visit to the palace later in the afternoon, he chose to spend time with the people in Kuala Lumpur. He remains a friend and family figure to us, and we consider his service both inside and outside of prison as that of a true friend.” In his speech, President Jokowi reciprocated the warm sentiments, referring to Anwar as a good friend. “My friend, my good friend Datuk Seri Anwar.
It is an honor for me and my delegation to visit Malaysia to reciprocate Anwar’s visit last January,” he expressed. During their visit, Anwar and Jokowi witnessed the signing of six agreements between Malaysia and Indonesia, covering areas such as cross-border trade, investment promotion cooperation, joint recognition of halal certification for domestic products, and maritime demarcation in the Straits of Malacca and Sulawesi. President Jokowi, accompanied by his wife Iriana and the delegation, embarked on a two-day working visit to Malaysia, commencing on Wednesday.
In 2022, Indonesia stood as Malaysia’s sixth-largest trading partner and ASEAN’s second-largest, with a trade volume of RM130.14 billion (US$29.55 billion), representing a 36.5 percent increase compared to RM95.31 billion (US$22.98 billion) in 2021. The strengthening friendship between Malaysia and Indonesia is expected to further enhance trade and bilateral relations between the two nations.
