KUALA LUMPUR - MALAYSIA and Indonesia vowed on Thursday to overcome a series of disputes that have soured their relationship, including maid abuse and territorial conflicts.

'Surely there will be differences in opinion between us occasionally,' Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said at a joint press conference along with a smiling Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak. 'Our job as leaders is to handle it wisely and not let it blow up and affect what we have.'

The two countries have much in common including language, religion and culture, but their relationship has been turbulent and marred by frequent disageements.

Mr Najib said the neighbours would strive to improve grassroots ties through better cooperation between lawmakers and the establishment of friendship societies.

Relations have dived since June when Indonesia said Malaysian warships entered oil-rich waters of the disputed Ambalat area in the Sulawesi sea off north-eastern Borneo island. An Indonesian navy ship came within moments of firing on a Malaysian vessel.

Tensions have also been aggravated by allegations of cultural theft, and horrific cases of abuse of Indonesian maids, which led to Jakarta putting a temporary ban on sending domestic workers to Malaysia. -- AFP