Joint Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia and President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java Province, July 19, 2022

Your Excellency President Jose Ramos-Horta,

It is an honor for us to welcome the first international state visit of President Jose Ramos-Horta.

We openly and amicably discussed a number of bilateral partnerships. Commitment to strengthening economic partnership between Indonesia and Timor Leste was a major issue.

First, we have agreed to improve trade opportunities between the two countries. Seeing a positive trend of our trade partnership, I believe trade between Indonesia and Timor Leste can continue to be improved.

Second, we have agreed to boost land and sea connectivity between the two countries. On land route, it is my hope that bus route connecting Kupang-Dili can be immediately realized. On sea route, I believe it is important to provide sea route connecting Kupang-Dili-Darwin.

Third, we also have agreed to strengthen border development. It is my hope that Napan cross-border posts (PBLN) can be completed this year. And I also encouraged that Joint Border Committee be re-implemented.

Fourth, Indonesian state-owned enterprises and private sectors are committed to participating in Timor Leste’s development including, in infrastructure sector.

Fifth, I encouraged the two countries to finish bilateral investment treaty. As of now, Indonesia’s investment in Timor Leste reached US$818 million, inclulding in banking, oil and gas, telecommunication sectors.

In addition to economic partnership, we also have discussed issues related cross-border negotiation.

I stressed that it is important for Indonesia and Timor Leste to resolve the two remaining segments, including Noel Besi-Citrana and Bijael Sunan-Oben.

Once again, I would like to thank President Jose Ramos-Horta for today’s productive meeting.

Now, I would like to invite President Jose Ramos-Horta to deliver your speech.

I thank you. (AP/EP)