MALAYSIAN AMBASSADOR TO INDONESIA TO CONCLUDE TENURE, HOPES FOR CONTINUED GROWTH IN BILATERAL TIES

JAKARTA, March 4 (Bernama) --  Malaysia’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Datuk Syed Mohamad Hasrin Tengku Hussin, will conclude his tenure this Friday after three years of service, expressing hope that the close relationship between the two neighbouring nations will continue to flourish.  

The 18th Malaysian Ambassador to Indonesia said that throughout his posting, he had witnessed first-hand the warmth and close cooperation between Malaysia and Indonesia – a relationship that extends beyond diplomatic ties and is deeply rooted in shared history, culture, language and inherited values.

He noted that various initiatives had been undertaken to strengthen bilateral relations across multiple sectors, including politics, the economy, defence, education and social affairs.

“I am grateful that these efforts have consistently received strong support and close cooperation from Indonesia. This success is not the result of any one individual, but of the collective commitment of all parties,” he said during a breaking of fast event with community organisations and members of the media at the Embassy of Malaysia in Indonesia here on Wednesday evening.

Syed Mohamad Hasrin said bilateral relations between the two countries had also achieved outstanding milestones.

“Last year, we recorded positive achievements, with bilateral trade increasing by 5.3 per cent to US$26.6 billion, up from US$25.5 billion the previous year.

“In terms of people-to-people exchanges, 4.2 million Indonesian tourists visited Malaysia last year, while more than two million Malaysians travelled to Indonesia. Malaysian visitors continue to hold the record as the largest group of foreign tourists to Indonesia,” he said.

Looking ahead, Syed Mohamad Hasrin said he hoped to see Malaysia-Indonesia relations continue to grow and strengthen.

“As two founding members of ASEAN, we will further reinforce the pillars of ASEAN’s strength. A robust and strong Malaysia-Indonesia relationship will undoubtedly contribute positively to regional cooperation within ASEAN,” he said.

On his successor, Syed Mohamad Hasrin expressed confidence in the incoming ambassador’s extensive experience.

“We are still awaiting approval… My hope is that the same level of close cooperation will be extended to him (the incoming ambassador) to continue the work that has been carried out.

“Not only from me, but from previous ambassadors as well, so that the friendship between our two countries remains close and enduring,” he said.

-- BERNAMA