Indonesia, Timor-Leste Ink Five Cooperation Agreements
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The Government of the Republic of Indonesia and the Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste signed five cooperation agreements, Monday (02/13).
The agreements were signed at a meeting between Indonesian President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste Taur Matan Ruak, at the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java province.
The five cooperation agreements are as follows:
- Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Higher Education
- Memorandum of Understanding on Human Resource Development and Knowledge Exchange
- Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Industrial Engineering
- Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics
- Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Economic Zones in Border Areas
In a press statement after the meeting, President Jokowi said that the high intensity of meetings between Indonesian and Timor-Leste leaders reflected a commitment to continue to strengthen cooperation between the two countries.
“I still remember His Excellency’s visits to Indonesia in 2014 and 2015 as President of Timor-Leste. Last year, Indonesia also received a visit from President Ramos Horta,” said the President.
In terms of regional cooperation, said the President, Timor-Leste has also participated in ASEAN meetings with observer status, including the meeting of ASEAN Foreign Ministers last February. Under Indonesia’s chairmanship, he continued, ASEAN is preparing for full membership for Timor-Leste.
“According to the results of the ASEAN Summit in Phnom Penh, Timor-Leste in principle has been accepted as a member of ASEAN. A road map for full membership is being prepared, led by Indonesia as the current Chairman,” he said. (MAY/UN) (EST/MUR)
