Medan, N Sumatra (ANTARA News) - The Malaysian government is optimistic that relations with Indonesia, especially with North Sumatra, will grow from strength to strength in various fields.

"With much in common, the even better relations between Malaysia and Indonesia will provide many benefits," Malaysian Consul General for Medan, Norlin Othman, said here on Saturday.

He said similar culture and tradition of Malaysia and Indonesia would strengthen the two countries relation even more.

In a function to observe Malaysian National Day here on Friday evening, Norlin said better relations were marked with well-maintained friendship between Malaysian consulate office officials in Medan and the local government officials.

He said the presence of central and provincial government officials in Malaysian National Day on Friday evening indicated that the two countries have strong relations.

"Good relationships will provide many benefits in tourist arrival and investment," he noted.

Meanwhile, acting North Sumatra Governor Gatot Pudjo Nugroho said good relations between Indonesia and Malaysia have lasted for a long time and would continue to be maintained and stepped up.

He said in this globalization era the world was getting smaller as a result of more sophisticated information technology, and that the two countries good relations should as well be maintained.

"Peace is the common goal of all international communities and that Indonesia and Malaysia should also maintain peace between them," he said.

He added that North Sumatra Provincial government whose area is located close to Malaysia will continue to make every effort to step up the relations in various fields.(*)

Editor: Aditia Maruli Radja
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