JAKARTA: Malaysia and Indonesia have always had a brotherly bond, says ice-cream seller Pak Abdul Azim.
The “es podeng” seller said both countries share the same roots, when asked what he thinks about Malaysia-Indonesia relations.
"We share so many similarities. I even supported the Malaysian team in the semi-final leg of the AFF Mitsubishi Cup. I hope to see both countries flourish together," he said.
He had been asked this ahead of the two-day visit by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to Jakarta at the invitation of his Indonesian counterpart President Joko Widodo.
This is Anwar's first official visit since he was appointed as the Prime Minister after the 15th General Election.
Anwar is expected to attend a ceremony on Sunday (Jan 8) to hand over 11 letters of interest by Malaysian companies to Bambang Susantono, who heads the Nusantara Capital City Authority.
This is a special agency tasked with managing and governing Nusantara city, the future capital of Indonesia.
The Malaysian firms are registering their interest in working closely with Indonesia to develop a city that will be located in Kalimantan.
He will also be meeting an engagement session with the Malaysian diaspora here tonight.
It will be a packed schedule for the premier on his second day, as Anwar will be meeting Jokowi at the Presidential Palace in Bogor tomorrow (Jan 9), where the two leaders will have an intimate conversation known as the 'Veranda Talk'.
The Veranda Talk denotes an intimate conversation between the Indonesian president and several of his guests who are considered close and important in terms of substance and relationship.
Anwar will also be planting a Merawan Tree or Hopea Odorata in the vicinity of the Presidential Palace in Bogor, and a joint press conference will follow.
Anwar is also expected to deliver a public lecture on Malaysian-Indonesian relations on Monday.
Meanwhile, Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin said that he hopes that both leaders could provide leadership to Asean and would discuss the issues of the Myanmar civil conflict and the South China Sea among others.
"Indonesia and Malaysia are also pivotal Asean countries. This region has the highest economic growth and both Anwar and Jokowi can provide leadership in ending poverty, economic opportunities and sustainable environment," he said.
