Rosmah: Leaders' wives too can play key role

Wives of countries' leaders also have their own important roles in helping to cement diplomatic ties between Malaysia and Indonesia.

The Prime Minister's wife, Rosmah Mansor, said this directly helped the ties between the two countries which were not easily affected adversely due to small and petty issues.

"As close neighbours there will always be various issues that involve the people of both nations. Although those issues needed to be resolved at the government level I am sure those issues would not estrange the existing close ties," she said at a get-together with the Indonesian president’s wife Ani Yudhoyono.

Also present were the honorary members of the Welfare Body of Wives of Ministers and Deputy Ministers (Bakti), Rahah Mohd Noh, and Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali.

In her speech, Ani agreed with Rosmah said if there are problems between Malaysia and Indonesia if would not reduce, even by a bit, the relationship and ties between the two countries.

"This we must instill in the people of both countries," she said.

Good treatment

Ani is here accompanying her husband, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, who is on a two-day visit to Malaysia beginning yesterday.

She also thanked the Malaysian government's concern and care for being always ready to giving aid to Indonesians whenever the country was struck by natural disasters.

"We also thank Malaysia for the good treatment towards Indonesians working and studying here," she said.

She also hoped that all Indonesians working here would do their jobs well.

Ani also expressed interest to share experiences and activities between Bakti and the association of wives of Indonesian cabinet ministers.

- Bernama