President Jokowi to meet Malaysian premier

Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) is set to hold the 12th annual consultation meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak in Kuching, the capital of the East Malaysian state of Serawak, on November 22.

During the meeting the President will be accompanied by Retno Marsudi, Foreign Minister, Arrmanatha Nasir, spokesman for the Foreign Ministry, said during a press briefing here, Friday.

The meeting will serve as a venue for the two leaders to discuss issues of mutual concern, including borders, defense and security, as well as economic cooperation, he stated.

Denny Abdi, Director of Southeast Asia of the Foreign Ministry, stressed that the two countries would take initiatives to establish a council for palm oil producing countries.

As the world`s largest palm oil producers, Indonesia and Malaysia have a common interest in establishing the council.

The initiative is aimed at fighting the negative campaigns against the Indonesian palm oil industry by the European Union, which has accused Indonesia of destroying the environment and health, he emphasized.

"Indonesia has encouraged other producing countries to fight the negative campaigns," he affirmed.

In addition to this, the two leaders will also discuss the placement and protection of Indonesian migrant workers employed in Malaysia, as well as the management of the agricultural sector in the border areas

Source: ANTARA