JAKARTA (March 27): Malaysia and Indonesia have agreed to intensify diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict in West Asia, protect civilian lives, and open space for negotiations towards a peaceful and lasting resolution, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Anwar, who is also the finance minister, said this was stated in his meeting with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto during a special visit to Indonesia on Friday.

“The meaningful meeting with President Prabowo today opened constructive space to find common ground in addressing the West Asia conflict, which is now putting pressure on global energy security and economic stability,” Anwar said in a statement.

The one-day special visit marked the prime minister's first trip to Jakarta this year at Prabowo’s invitation, which was extended during a phone conversation between the two leaders on March 23.

Anwar said amid growing global uncertainty, Malaysia and Indonesia stressed the need to strengthen principled regional cohesion to preserve peace, ensure stability, and enhance economic resilience for the well-being of the people.

During the approximately two-hour meeting, he said, both leaders emphasised the importance of ensuring the continuity of global supply chains and strategic trade routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, remain unaffected.

“I also shared updates on engagements with fellow international leaders as part of efforts to express solidarity, coordinate views and assess global impacts, particularly in terms of energy and regional security,” he said. 

Anwar said Malaysia remains firm in its stance of rejecting violence, upholding international law and urging all parties to return to the path of peace.

Tensions in West Asia have continued to escalate since the US and Israel launched joint strikes against Iran on Feb 28. 

Tehran then retaliated with drone and missile attacks targeting Israel and several neighbouring countries hosting US military assets, further affecting global market stability and the aviation sector.

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