Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia and Indonesia are committed to strengthening bilateral and regional cooperation in the agriculture sector and food security, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, KPKM stated that this commitment was discussed during a courtesy visit from Indonesia's Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, Arif Havas Oegroseno, to the Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister, Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup. The meeting focused on efforts to enhance cooperation in the agriculture sector and food security, reflecting the close ties between the two nations.

Arthur highlighted that the ministry is preparing one of the Priority Economic Deliverables (PEDs) as part of Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship this year under the ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF). These PEDs are set to be presented during the 47th AMAF meeting in September, urging ASEAN member countries to support a sustainable and resilient agricultural future.

KPKM further mentioned that Arthur extended an invitation to Indonesia to attend the Mini Malaysia Agricultural, Horticulture, and Agrotourism Exhibition (Mini MAHA), which will take place in conjunction with the 47th ASEAN Summit towards the end of the year.

In 2023, Indonesia emerged as Malaysia's third-largest trading partner in the agri-food sector, with trade value in the agriculture sector alone reaching RM18.88 billion.