ASEAN Summit: President Jokowi, Timor-Leste PM Discuss Economic Cooperation
President Jokowi and Timor-Leste PM Taur Matan at Meruorah Hotel, Labuan Bajo, Tuesday (05/09). (Photo by: BPMI Presidential Secretariat)
On the sidelines of the 42nd ASEAN Summit, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo Tuesday (05/09) hosted Prime Minister of Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste Taur Matan Ruak for a bilateral meeting at Meruorah Hotel, Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara province.
“President Jokowi welcomed Timor-Leste PM for his first participation at the ASEAN Summit,” Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno L. P. Marsudi told journalists after the meeting.
Retno added that during the meeting, the two leaders also discussed measures to promote economic cooperation between the two neighboring countries that becomes the follow-up of the visit of PM Taur Matan Ruak to Indonesia some time ago.
“The two leaders agreed to establish a joint working group to prepare the development of economic zones along the border of the two countries,” Retno said, adding that the two countries also agreed to establish a bilateral investment treaty.
“President Jokowi also underscored the importance of discussion on state border negotiations,” the Minister added.
In the meantime, Timor-Leste PM also expressed appreciation for Indonesia’s support on his country’s ASEAN membership.
“President Jokowi expressed hope that Timor-Leste can immediately meet the criteria in the road map that will be adopted tomorrow so it can become a full member of ASEAN,” she remarked. (BPMI Presidential Secretariat/FID/UN) (GWH/EP)
