Malaysia, Timor-Leste Vow To Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation, Diversify Economic Ties

By V.Sankara

DILI, Sept 24 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his Timor-Leste counterpart, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao, have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation while boosting and diversifying economic ties.

In a joint statement issued at the end of Anwar’s two-day official visit to the Timor-Leste capital of Dili, both leaders welcomed the growing momentum in bilateral ties.

“Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further enhance the bilateral relations between the two countries across multiple sectors, namely in trade and investment, higher education, health, capacity building, and tourism for the mutual benefit of our peoples.

“To further boost and diversify economic cooperation, the leaders encouraged both sides to work together towards fostering a more dynamic and diverse economic cooperation, and encouraged greater engagement between the private sectors of Malaysia and Timor-Leste,” the joint statement stated.

On Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN, Malaysia reiterated its full support for Timor-Leste to become a full member of bloc by the 47th ASEAN Summit in October.

Both leaders recalled that the 46th ASEAN Summit resolved to expedite negotiations on key economic agreements to facilitate this process.

“Malaysia also reaffirmed its readiness to continue providing capacity building assistance and other necessary support to facilitate Timor-Leste in preparation for its full membership in ASEAN. Timor-Leste expressed its profound gratitude to the government of Malaysia for its steadfast and unwavering support for Timor-Leste’s accession and integration process to ASEAN,” the statement read.

Anwar and Gusmao also welcomed the launch of Batik Air flights between Kuala Lumpur and Dili and a visa waiver for Malaysian citizens travelling to Timor-Leste beginning Aug 16.

“These developments will facilitate easier and more frequent travel, boost tourism, enhance business and investment opportunities, and foster greater people-to-people exchanges,” the statement read.

Anwar and Gusmao also discussed regional and global concerns. On Myanmar, they called for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian access.

“Both leaders reiterated that the Five-Point Consensus remains ASEAN’s main reference to address the political crisis in Myanmar,” the statement read.

On Palestine, the joint statement conveyed deep concern over the worsening humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

“Both leaders condemned the indiscriminate violence and systematic blockade which have resulted in mass civilian casualties and critical shortages of essential supplies,” the statement read. The two leaders urged the international community to act decisively and supported recognition of Palestine based on pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Anwar also expressed appreciation for the warm welcome during his visit, saying the recognition reflected the strong ties between Malaysia and Timor-Leste.

-- BERNAMA