Indonesia, M’sia to raise spying issue at next ASEAN summit

JAKARTA — Indonesia and Malaysia have agreed to raise the issue of espionage at next year’s summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

It was one of many agreements reached by both countries’ leaders in wide-ranging annual bilateral talks yesterday. A recent controversy involving wiretapping was at the top of the agenda at the 10th Annual Consultation in Jakarta.

In a joint press conference at the Presidential Palace yesterday, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said: “On this issue, we are jointly calling on ASEAN countries to be united in rejecting espionage. I believe mutual trust and respect are important in international relations.”

A diplomatic row between Jakarta and Canberra started after reports surfaced last month saying that, in 2009, Australian agencies spied on Indonesian targets, including the President, his wife and advisers.

“I am happy the Prime Minister of Malaysia has agreed to my initiative, which I will propose at the ASEAN Summit that we object (to) spying by other ASEAN countries and spying between ASEAN nations,” said Mr Yudhoyono.

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak echoed similar sentiments, saying: “I agree with the steps mentioned by Mr Yudhoyono on wiretapping. We will give attention to the issue at the ASEAN Summit and, if the President proposes it, Malaysia will support it.”

The leaders also agreed to enhance trade to reach their goal of US$30 billion (S$38 billion) in bilateral trade by 2015, through reducing non-tariff barriers and applying the principle of reciprocity in bilateral trade.

The two sides also agreed to further involve migrant-worker agencies in their countries to encourage foreign workers to seek legal means of working in Malaysia.

Regarding maritime border disputes, both leaders committed to extend negotiations to maintain regional stability in a peaceful manner.

Mr Yudhoyono and Mr Najib also witnessed the signing of three memoranda of understanding on preventing and combating transnational crimes, student passes and cooperation on sports and youth issues. AGENCIEs