Malaysia, Indonesia agree to combat IS threats
(VOVworld) – Malaysia and Indonesia have agreed to boost security and defense cooperation and share intelligence information on Islamic State (IS) threats. The agreement was reached by Malaysian Defense Minister Hishammuddin Hussein and Indonesian Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday. The two leaders also discussed security and defense in the region, including security in the Straits of Malacca and maritime border issues.
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| Malaysian Defense Minister Hishammuddin Hussein and Indonesian Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu meet in Kuala Lumpur. (Photo: www.nst.com.my) |
Hishammuddin said at a joint news conference with Defense Minister Ryacudu that Malaysia and Indonesia have an important role in the fight against the IS because they have the biggest Muslim populations in the region, which has several hot spots that could be used to spread the IS ideology.
Hishammuddin said the two countries agreed not to prolong any provocation or dispute that might exist and could adversely affect their diplomatic relations. He announced that Malaysia has invited Myanmar to be an observer in the Malacca Strait Patrols (MSP) initiative to combat piracy there.