Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today expressed solidarity with the people of Indonesia over the volcanic disaster and haze challenges currently affecting the country.
He conveyed the message during a phone conversation with former Indonesian president Joko Widodo, better known as Jokowi, who is in Penang to attend the Penang Peace Dialogue.
In a Facebook post today, Anwar said the two leaders exchanged updates during the conversation.
He also apologised for being unable to meet Jokowi in person in Penang due to a previously scheduled programme with farmers, livestock breeders, smallholders and the agricultural community at the Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism Exhibition (MAHA) 2026.
“Malaysia and Indonesia are not merely neighbouring countries, but two kindred nations bound by history, culture and close ties of brotherhood,” he said.
Anwar added that while positions and responsibilities may change, friendship and mutual respect would endure. He said the close ties between the two countries would continue to be nurtured for the well-being of their people and the prosperity of the region.
According to Indonesia’s national news agency ANTARA, Jokowi attended the Penang Peace Dialogue in George Town and shared his views on the role of leaders and the public in laying the foundations for peace at a gala dinner last night.
He is also scheduled to deliver a keynote address at the forum today.
