Malaysia Refers To Blocks ND6, ND7 As Sulawesi Sea, Not "Ambalat" - Wisma Putra

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 5 (Bernama) -- Malaysia refers to the maritime area encompassing Blocks ND6 and ND7, which lie within Peta Baru Malaysia 1979, as the Sulawesi Sea, and not as “Ambalat”, which is a term used by Indonesia, the Foreign Ministry said. 

In a statement on Tuesday, the ministry, also known as Wisma Putra, said the Judgement of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 2002 on the sovereignty of Sipadan and Ligitan islands further strengthens Malaysia’s maritime position in the Sulawesi Sea.

“The Foreign Minister underscored that any terminology must be correctly used and reflect Malaysia’s sovereign position and legal rights over the area concerned,” it said, adding that Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan also clarified the matter in the Malaysian Parliament on Aug 5.

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On the possible joint development between Malaysia and Indonesia in the Sulawesi Sea, the ministry said it is still at the exploratory stage.

“Nothing has been agreed by both sides,” it said.

It said Malaysia remains committed to protecting its sovereignty, sovereign rights and interests in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982.

“All discussions on this matter shall be conducted by way of diplomatic, legal and technical mechanisms within the established bilateral frameworks,” the ministry said. 

The foreign ministry said it will continue to work closely with all relevant stakeholders, including the State Government of Sabah, to ensure that Malaysia’s interests are well preserved and protected.

-- BERNAMA