Indonesia Continues to be Partner for Timor-Leste’s Economic Development: President Jokowi
President Jokowi and President of Timor-Leste Francisco Guterres Lú Olo deliver a joint press statement at the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java, on Thursday (28/6) (Photo: Jay/PR)
President Joko Jokowi Widodo on Thursday (28/6) affirmed Indonesia’s commitment to continue to be a trusted partner in Timor-Leste ‘s economic development given that Indonesia is the main trade partner of the country.
As we may be aware of, there are 9 state-owned enterprises and approximately 400 enterprises owned by Indonesian citizens in Timor-Leste. Indonesias investment value in Timor-Leste amounts to more than US$ 595 million, President Jokowi said during a joint press statement with President of Timor-Leste Francisco Guterres Lú Olo at Bogor Presidential Palace, in Bogor, West Java, Thursday (28/6).
Therefore, the two countries have agreed to start negotiation and enter into an agreement on investment promotion and protection, as well as sign an agreement on double taxation avoidance, President Jokowi said.
I believe the Government of President Lú Olos administration will continue providing legal guarantee and certainty for Indonesias investment, President Jokowi said.
Indonesia and Timor-Leste have also agreed to enhance cooperation on connectivity. Several cooperation on connectivity have been discussed, including on the completion of the construction of the Motaain bridge connecting Motaain in Indonesias East Nusa Tenggara Province and Batugade in Timor-Leste, and the opening of more flight routes between the two countries.
After talks over the past 10 years, we welcome the opening of flight routes from Kupang in East Nusa Tenggara to Dili in Timor-Leste. For land connectivity, Indonesias state-run bus company Damri Indonesia is ready to improve land connectivity by operating buses from Kupang to Dili, the President added.
Furthermore, Indonesia and Timor-Leste have also agreed to enhance cooperation on the social-cultural field by intensifying cooperation on education and capacity building. Indonesia appreciates the intention of Timor-Leste students and university students to continue their studies in Indonesia, President Jokowi concluded.
Accompanying President Jokowi in the press conference were Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Wiranto, Coordinating Minister for the Economy Darmin Nasution, Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi, Minister of Public Works and Public Housing Basuki Hadimuljono, Minister of State Secretary Pratikno, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, and Minister of Research, Technology and Higher Education M. Nasir. (DID/ES) (RAS/EPNaster)
