Malaysia-Indonesia relations are based on long-standing cultural and historical ties and should not be undermined by minor issues that cause misunderstanding between the peoples of both countries, Indonesian communications and information minister Tifatul Sembiring said.

Indonesia and Malaysia have finished discussing a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) on manpower protection and agreed to sign it later, Manpower Minister Muhaimin Iskandar said, Antara news agency reported.

Although certain quarters try to sensationalise several issues that crop up between Malaysia dan Indonesia, the media in this country report well on the issues, said Deputy Foreign Minister Senator A. Kohilan Pillay.

Four Indonesians have been arrested over the gruesome murder of an Indonesian man whose severed genitals were found next to his body, police said Thursday.

The process to bring back five Terengganu fishermen who were detained by Indonesian fishing authorities is being undertaken by the Malaysian consul's office in Pontianak.

Malaysia is seriously looking into collaborating with South Sulawesi in the field of agriculture to enhance food security in line with the offer made by Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono recently.

Wives of countries' leaders also have their own important roles in helping to cement diplomatic ties between Malaysia and Indonesia.

The treatment of Indonesian workers in Malaysia continues to improve, said President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said he chose Malaysia for his first state visit after his re-election as the Indonesian president as he felt that Malaysia was a close friend, a neighbour and a partner.

Malaysia and Indonesia will not let petty issues raised by certain quarters to sour ties between the two nations but will instead further the work to strengthen the already close bilateral ties, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said today.