“Bilateral relations between Malaysia and Indonesia are progressing well at all levels,” he said, hailing the positive and enduring relations between the two neighbouring countries.

Syed Mohamad Hasrin pointed to a 4.5 per cent increase in two-way trade to US$25.5 billion (RM116.3 billion) in 2024, adding that Malaysians were also the top contributors to foreign visitors to Indonesia last year.

He also highlighted recent high-level engagements, including Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s working visit to Jakarta on July 29 for the 13th Annual Consultation with President Prabowo Subianto.

“We look forward to hosting President Prabowo Subianto in Kuala Lumpur for the 47th ASEAN Summit later this month,” he said.

Malaysia currently holds the ASEAN Chairmanship for 2025, marking the country’s fifth time at the helm of the regional grouping, following previous tenures in 1977, 1997, 2005 and 2015.

As ASEAN Chair in 2025, Syed Mohamad Hasrin said Kuala Lumpur has advanced the theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability” by strengthening peace and security, deepening regional integration, and building a truly people-centred ASEAN Community.

Guided by this vision, Malaysia continues to lead initiatives that expand cooperation in trade, the digital economy, youth empowerment, and climate action, ensuring ASEAN remains resilient and forward-looking, he said.

“Looking ahead, Malaysia believes ASEAN’s strength lies in unity and adaptability,” he said, adding that with the adoption of ‘ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future’ and Timor-Leste’s admission as the bloc’s 11th member, ASEAN is entering a new chapter of inclusivity and collective progress.

Syed Mohamad Hasrin also expressed hope that the close bond between Malaysia and Indonesia will continue to grow for the mutual benefit of their peoples and the prosperity of the wider Southeast Asian region.

“Together, we can ensure that ASEAN remains a zone of peace, prosperity and opportunity for decades to come,” he said, expressing appreciation to Indonesia’s leadership and people for their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.

The event drew about 1,200 guests, including representatives from the government, non-governmental organisations, the diplomatic corps, the private sector, academia, students and institutional partners.

Indonesia’s Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa was the guest of honour.

Also present were Primary and Secondary Education Minister Prof Abdul Mu’ti, Coordinating Minister for Legal Affairs and Human Rights Yusril Ihza Mahendra, Investment Minister Rosan Perkasa Roeslani and Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Minister Arifah Fauzi.

-- BERNAMA