Malaysia–Timor-Leste Relations Built On Friendship, Shared Struggles – Anwar

From V.Sankara

DILI (TIMOR-LESTE), Sept 23 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s relationship with Timor-Leste goes beyond official diplomacy, reflecting deep personal friendships built over decades of shared struggles, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

At an official dinner hosted by President Dr José Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão here tonight, Anwar recalled how many of his friends from the region endured trials and tribulations together, never anticipating that one day they would sit side by side to chart a common platform for stronger bilateral cooperation.

The premier, who is currently on a two-day official visit here, described these enduring friendships as the foundation of today’s close relations between Malaysia and Timor-Leste. 

“The spirit of comradeship, of affection, is well reciprocated. And Malaysians love Timor-Leste,” he said.

Anwar added that Malaysia’s support for Timor-Leste stems from shared values in human dignity, democracy and mutual respect, which remained central to both countries’ aspirations.

He also expressed gratitude to Ramos-Horta and the Timorese leadership for their warm hospitality, saying it reflected not only diplomatic ties but also the brotherhood between the peoples of the two nations.

Timor-Leste is set to formally accede to ASEAN at the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur this October, a milestone Malaysia continues to support strongly.

Also present were Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil and the Secretary-General of the Foreign Ministry, Datuk Seri Amran Mohamed Zin.

-- BERNAMA