Malaysia, Timor-Leste To Deepen Ties, Boost ASEAN Entry Efforts

From V.Sankara

DILI (TIMOR-LESTE), Sept 24 (Bernama) -- Malaysia and Timor-Leste have agreed to strengthen cooperation across multiple sectors, including trade, education, health, tourism and security as Dili prepares to join ASEAN as its 11th member.

Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao said the visit of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim marked an important milestone in bilateral relations since diplomatic ties were established in 2002.

“Our talks today were warm and productive. We agreed to further enhance our bilateral relations in key sectors, including trade, investment, higher education, health and tourism. Education and training, especially new scholarships and institutional partnerships, are also a high priority,” he said at a joint press conference here today.

Gusmao highlighted new air services and visa-free arrangements to ease travel for citizens of both countries, saying such initiatives would foster cultural understanding and people-to-people ties. 

He also thanked Anwar for Malaysia’s ‘strong and steadfast support’ for Timor-Leste’s development and ASEAN aspirations.

“We shared common views on regional and global issues, including peace, democracy, and Palestine, where we stand united in calling for an end to violence and respect for international law,” he said.

Anwar, in his remarks, reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to Timor-Leste’s ASEAN bid and broader cooperation.

“We discussed mechanisms to enhance bilateral relations covering investments in trade, tourism, education, health and energy. 

“Within ASEAN, Timor-Leste has done whatever possible to accelerate the process, and Malaysia is delighted to host the function where Timor-Leste will officially become a full member of ASEAN,” he said.

The Prime Minister underlined the “maximum level of trust” between both nations, extending to connectivity, defence, procurement, training and information sharing.

“As maritime nations, we face similar challenges such as illegal fishing, intrusion and security, and collaboration will be extremely important for us,” he added.

On Myanmar, Anwar said there had been encouraging engagement. 

“With ASEAN’s support, the bombings have ceased and relative peace has returned since the earthquake, and Malaysia also established a field hospital,” he said.

He also noted ASEAN’s mediation had produced results in Thailand and Cambodia. 

“We managed to prevent any escalation of violence, and this progress was only possible with the support of ASEAN countries,” he said.

Turning to the Middle East, Anwar reaffirmed Malaysia’s strong position.

“We oppose the atrocities in Gaza, where bombings continue to kill babies, children and innocent civilians,” he said.

The two leaders pledged to continue working closely at both bilateral and multilateral levels to deepen cooperation and strengthen regional peace and stability.

-- BERNAMA