Jakarta, IO – President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo hosted the official visit by Timor-Leste (East Timor) Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao at the Bogor Presidential Palace, Friday (26/1).
Gusmao and his entourage arrived at the palace at around 9am WIB and were escorted by a marching band, cavalry troops, and members of the Presidential Security Detail (Paspampres).
The arrival was followed by a welcoming ceremony, consisting of the playing of both countries’ national anthem, 19-gun salute, and an inspection of troops. Afterward, the two leaders introduced their delegates.
The two leaders then headed to Teratai Room for a photo session and guest book signing. After signing the guest book, Jokowi and Gusmao planted a Merawan (Hopea odorata) tree at the palace’s backyard and had a teté a teté at the veranda. During the visit, the two leaders engaged in bilateral talks and agreed upon four matters.
First, the two leaders have agreed to push for the settlement of border negotiations.
“I welcome the reactivation of joint border committee for border management, including the reactivation of cross-border posts,” Jokowi said in a joint press statement with Gusmao following the bilateral meeting.
Second, Indonesia and Timor-Leste have agreed to enhance economic cooperation. Jokowi also expressed appreciation for the Timor-Leste Government’s commitment to creating a better investment climate through investment protection agreement.
“I also appreciate Timor-Leste’s trust in Indonesian state-owned enterprises in various projects, such as the road construction in Oekusi and expansion of Dili International Airport,” he said.
Third, Indonesia and Timor-Leste have also decided to promote cooperation to improve telecommunication infrastructure in both countries.
“With the signing of MOU on information technology cooperation, we also push for telecommunication infrastructure cooperation, including fiber optic investment plan,” Jokowi said.
As for regional cooperation, Indonesia has affirmed commitment to continuously supporting Timor-Leste’s full Asean membership.
Read: Maritime Diplomacy In The ASEAN Maritime Security Strategic Partnership
“We also discussed the issue of Myanmar and the two countries have agreed to support Laos’ Asean chairmanship this year in promoting the implementation of the 5PC [FivePoint Consensus],” Jokowi said.
“It is an honor for Indonesia to receive the first state visit from Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao since he was inaugurated last July. It shows that the relation between Timor-Leste and Indonesia has become stronger,” he said. (des)