Malaysia and Indonesia have reached an agreement on stepping up security and defence cooperation as well as sharing spy information in an attempt to counter threats from the so-called Islamic State (IS).

The agreement came after talks on February 26 between Malaysian Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein and his Indonesian counterpart Ryamizard Ryacudu in Malaysia’s capital of Kuala Lumpur.

The two sides also discussed issues concerning security and defence interests of the two countries and the region, including ensuring security at the strait of Malacca, dealing with threats from the IS and sea border issues.

Addressing the joint press conference, Hishammuddin said Malaysia and Indonesia play an important role in the fight against the IS because both countries have the largest Islam population in Southeast Asia, where some ‘hot’ places can be used to spread IS influence.

Regarding sea border issues, Hishammuddin said the two countries agreed to not prolong provocations and disputes potentially occurring that could worsen the diplomatic relationships.

Hishammuddin said that Malaysia also invited Myanmar as the observer in the Malacca Strait Sea Patrols (MSSP) with the participation of Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, and Indonesia to fight pirates in the area.

The Indonesian Defence Minister is paying an official visit to Malaysia, aiming to accelerate bilateral defence ties and ensuring peace and stability in the region.-VNA