Malaysia urges 'rational' end to disputes with RI

Malaysia urges 'rational' end to disputes with RI

Indonesia and Malaysia need to adopt a "rational" approach to bilateral disputes, Malaysia's military chief said on Friday after talks in Jakarta that follow a recent standoff between the two countries.

Speaking after meeting President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Malaysia's Admiral Mohammad Anwar said the Southeast Asian neighbors should build on their common bonds rather than allow rows to drive a wedge between them.

"Look for a rational approach in handling issues between the two countries with a spirit of brotherhood," Anwar told reporters in Jakarta.

"This spirit was also emphasized by the president." The two mainly-Muslim countries have been at loggerheads due to overlapping claims on an oil-rich maritime area east of Borneo island that began when Malaysia granted an oil concession in February to Anglo-Dutch firm Shell.

Jakarta reacted with anger, saying the blocks awarded by state oil firm Petronas were not in territory controlled by Malaysia. Indonesia has built a lighthouse on an island in the area to strengthen its claim.

Both countries deployed warships to the region, where tensions reached a peak in April as vessels from both nations brushed sides in the disputed area.

Officials from both sides began negotiations in March to settle the claims. --AFP