JAKARTA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim concluded his special visit to Jakarta today after meeting Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at the Istana Merdeka here.

The meeting, which commenced at 4.30pm local time, took place against the backdrop of escalating geopolitical developments in Middle East.

Following the discussions, Prabowo accompanied Anwar to Halim Perdanakusuma Airport as a gesture of goodwill and cordial ties between the two leaders.

He departed for home at about 7.15pm local time, concluding his one-day working visit.

The visit was undertaken at Prabowo’s invitation following a phone conversation between the two leaders on March 23, and marked Anwar’s first trip to Jakarta this year.

The two leaders had held five high-level exchanges last year, including the 13th Malaysia-Indonesia Annual Consultation on July 28 in Jakarta.

Anwar, in a statement issued after today’s meeting, said Malaysia and Indonesia agreed to intensify diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict in Middle East, protect civilian lives, and open space for negotiations towards a peaceful and lasting resolution.

Amid growing global uncertainty, both countries also stressed the need to strengthen principled regional cohesion to preserve peace, ensure stability, and enhance economic resilience for the well-being of the people, he said.

During the approximately two-hour meeting, both leaders further emphasised the importance of ensuring the continuity of global supply chains and strategic trade routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, remain unaffected.

“Amid current global uncertainties, the cooperation between Malaysia and Indonesia has become increasingly important, with both countries agreeing to continue working closely together, strengthen strategic cooperation, and intensify diplomatic efforts to ensure regional stability and the well-being of their citizens.

“May the ties between these two close nations continue to be strengthened to an even more solid and respected level, Insya-Allah,” Anwar said in a Facebook post.

– Bernama