Joint Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia and Prime Minister of Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste at Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java Province, January 26, 2024

Your Excellency Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao and delegates,

It is an honor for Indonesia to receive the first state visit from Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao since you were inaugurated last July. It shows that the relation between Timor-Leste and Indonesia has become stronger.

During the meeting, we discussed several matters. First, we have agreed to push for the settlement of the two countries’ border negotiation. I also welcome the reactivation of joint border committee for border management, including the reactivation of cross-border posts.

Second, we have agreed to enhance economic cooperation and I warmly welcome the commitment of the Government of Timor-Leste to creating a better investment climate through investment protection agreement. I also appreciate Timor-Leste’s confidence in Indonesian State-Owned Enterprises in various projects, such as the road construction in Oekusi and expansion of Dili International Airport.

And by signing the MoU on information technology cooperation, we also push for telecommunication infrastructure cooperation, including a fiber optic investment plan.

Fourth, related to ASEAN, Indonesia remains committed to supporting Timor-Leste’s full membership in ASEAN. We also discussed the Myanmar issue and the two countries have agreed to support Laos’ Chairmanship of ASEAN this year in promoting the implementation of the 5PC [Five-Point Consensus].

That concludes my statement. Let me invite Your Excellency Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao to deliver your statement.

Thank you.

(DH/LW)