Indonesia, Malaysia to mend strained ties

Malaysia: Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono arrived in Malaysia Wednesday for a visit aimed at smoothing over the latest spats between the neighbours, who have a history of troubled relations.

Susilo was to be given a full state welcome at Parliament Square in the afternoon, before an evening audience with Malaysia’s King and a state banquet. On Thursday he will hold talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak.

Discussions are expected to cover allegations of mistreatment of Indonesian maids, a territorial dispute, regional terrorism and wrangles over cultural issues that have caused anger in Indonesia. “I think we have our ups and downs,” Malaysian Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein told AFP ahead of the visit. “What is important is that wisdom and sincerity prevails among our top leaders so that (contentious issues) will not jeopardise our relationship.”

Hishammuddin said the discussions between Najib and Yudhoyono would cover the issues of “foreign workers, terrorism, Islamic militancy, border security and drug trafficking”. KUALA LUMPUR, Wednesday, AFP