Najib hails Susilo as a friend, now and forever

Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak Thursday described his relationship with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono of Indonesia as "friends now and forever".

He expressed this sentiment at the joint news conference he attended with Susilo after their annual consultation at the Merdeka Palace of the Indonesian president here.

Najib said Malaysia was most thankful to and held in high regard the contributions of Susilo and Indonesia.

"I have said that my relationship with Bapa Presiden (Susilo) goes beyond the formal ties; we will always be friends, now and forever, God willing," Najib said to applause from the delegations of the two countries present at the news conference.

Najib earlier conveyed Malaysia's appreciation for the contribution of Susilo and the Indonesian government in the recent hosting of two major events, namely the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit and the ministerial-level meeting of the World Trade Organisation.

This year's annual consultation between Najib and Susilo is their fourth since 2010.

Susilo is due to complete his second term as the Indonesian president in September next year. The Indonesian constitution prohibits an individual from holding the post of president for more than two consecutive terms.