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WORKING VISIT OF YB DATO’ SRI ANIFAH AMAN TO THE MEETING OF THE FOREIGN MINISTERS AND CHIEFS OF THE ARMED FORCES OF INDONESIA, MALAYSIA AND THE PHILIPPINES
JOGJAKARTA, INDONESIA, 5 MAY 2016
YB Dato’ Sri Anifah Haji Aman, Minister of Foreign Affairs Malaysia, led Malaysia’s delegation to the Meeting of the Foreign Ministers and Chiefs of the Armed Forces of Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines in Jogjakarta, Indonesia on 5 May 2016.
The Meeting, held at the invitation of H.E. Retno L.P Marsudi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, discussed joint efforts in strengthening coordination and cooperation of the three countries to address security issues in the maritime areas of common concern of the three countries, including on the recent kidnapping incidents.
At the Meeting, YB Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed Malaysia’s concern on the recent kidnapping incidents. In the past weeks, three incidents have taken place, involving the kidnapping of fourteen Indonesians and four Malaysians. He also conveyed Malaysia’s commitment to take all necessary measures to address the issue as well as through the cooperation between Indonesia and the Philippines.
The Meeting agreed to enhance collective cooperation of the three countries through concrete measures. These included the sharing and exchanging of information and intelligence, the establishment of a national focal point and hotline of communication as well as to render immediate assistance to people and ships in distress. More importantly, the Meeting agreed for the three countries to establish a framework to conduct patrol in the affected maritime areas.
YB Minister of Foreign Affairs also stated that the next crucial step would be for the three countries to take immediate actions to implement the agreed measures as well as for the officials to meet as soon as possible to formulate a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).
Malaysia further underlined the importance of addressing the root causes that contribute to the growing number of kidnapping cases.
Commenting on the Peace Process in the Southern Philippines, YB Minister called upon all stakeholders to remain committed in finding durable solutions to ensure lasting peace and security in the region.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia
Putrajaya
5 May 2016