Agong: Take Malaysia-Indonesia Relations To Greater Heights

By Ahmad Fuad Yahya

JAKARTA, Oct 17 (Bernama) -- Yang di- Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin has expressed the hope of seeing Malaysia and Indonesia making continuous effort to take their relations to greater heights, saying this will be for the benefit of both countries.

Speaking at a dinner hosted by the Indonesian government here last night, His Majesty said he wanted to see more active and productive efforts to promote cooperation at all levels and in all fields despite the numerous challenges.

"I appreciate the commitment and role played by Malaysia and Indonesia in handling issues of mutual interest either at the regional or international level.

"I believe the commitment of both countries will continue, for common prosperity and for stability in the region," he said at the dinner at Istana Negara.

He described the Kuala Lumpur-Jakarta relations as cordial and special.

"I'm satisfied with the efforts which have been, and are being, implemented by both governments to strengthen the political, economic and sociocultural cooperation," he said.

Tuanku Mizan, who is on a two-day visit to the republic, was earlier yesterday conferred the republic's highest award, the Bintang Republik Indonesia Adipurna, at Istana Merdeka, by Indonesian president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Nur Zahirah, who accompanied His Majesty in the visit, was among those presence at the investiture ceremony. Susilo's wife Ibu Negara Ibu Ani Yudhoyono, Indonesian cabinet ministers and members of the Malaysian delegation were also present.

In his speech at the dinner, Tuanku Mizan expressed his gratitude for the award, describing it as a mark of appreciation for the good relations between both countries.

"I'm confident that this award will further strengthen the bonds of friendship among the peoples of both countries," he said.

Yang di-Pertuan Agong also expressed his gratitude to President Susilo and Ibu Ani Yudhoyono as well as to the Indonesian government and people, for the gracious hospitality accorded to him and Tuanku Nur Zahirah, as well as to the Malaysian delegation.