JAKARTA – Although his official visit to Indonesia totalled less than 24 hours, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin described it as very successful.
Despite the trip being short, it provided many benefits to both countries, he told a press conference here at the end of his visit.
“I feel happy because this trip can be said to be very successful.”
He arrived here yesterday evening.
The visit saw strict compliance with Covid-19 standard operating procedures.
Muhyiddin said many issues were discussed during his hour-long one-on-one meeting with Indonesian President Joko Widodo, and they arrived at a mutual agreement.
“The visit was very successful. An understanding was forged. The body language of the president was very friendly.
“So much so, that he said if there’s anything, it’s alright to call him up every day.”
The prime minister said their meeting might not have the same result had it been done virtually.
“I could feel the warmth of the relationship with the president while chatting, walking with him… even though we did not shake hands.”
The leaders discussed a host of bilateral, regional and international issues, including trade and investment, the environment, Covid-19, and the plight of smallholders and fishermen.
While at Istana Merdeka here, Muhyiddin also held a meeting with Partai Demokrasi Indonesia Perjuangan leader Megawati Soekarnoputri.
The talks, which were attended by Joko, saw former president Megawati and Muhyiddin discussing political cooperation between her party and Perikatan Nasional.
Muhyiddin departed Halim Perdanakusuma International Airport for Malaysia at 4pm local time. – Bernama, February 5, 2021