Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad will make a two-day official visit to Indonesia from tomorrow to strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation.

Wisma Putra said in a statement today that Mahathir would be accompanied by his wife, Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali.

It said Mahathir would meet Indonesian President Joko Widodo and attend a luncheon hosted by the president.

“The visit will provide a platform for the two leaders to further strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation.

“It will also allow Malaysia to highlight the government’s latest policies and its stand, particularly on issues of mutual benefit.

“Furthermore, both leaders will have the opportunity to exchange views on regional and global issues that are of common interest to both countries,” it said.

Wisma Putra said Mahathir is also scheduled to meet the Malaysian community in Jakarta.

The visit to Indonesia will be Mahathir’s first visit to a Southeast Asian country after becoming prime minister on May 10.

Indonesia is one of Malaysia’s closest friends and important neighbours.

In 2017, total bilateral trade was recorded at RM72.63 billion, an increase of 22 from 2016, making Indonesia Malaysia’s seventh largest trading partner globally and third largest trading partner among Asean member countries after Singapore and Thailand.

- Bernama