President Jokowi Receives State Visit from Timor-Leste PM

President Jokowi receives a state visit from PM of Timor-Leste Xanana Gusmao at Bogor Presidential Palace in West Java province, Friday (01/26). (Photo by: PR of Cabinet Secretariat/Jay)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo Friday (01/26) welcomed Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste Xanana Gusmao at Bogor Presidential Palace in Bogor city, West Java province.

PM Gusmao and his entourage arrived at the palace at around 09.00 Western Indonesian time and were escorted by a marching band, cavalry troops, and troops in traditional attire of the Presidential Security Detail.

The arrival was followed by a welcoming ceremony, consisting of the playing of both countries’ national anthem, 19-gun salute, and an inspection of troops. Afterward, the two leaders introduced their delegates.

The two leaders then headed to Teratai Room for a photo session and guest book signing. After signing the guest book, President Jokowi and PM Gusmao planted a tree at the palace’s backyard and had a teté a teté at the veranda.

During the visit, President Jokowi and PM Gusmao had a bilateral meeting and agreed upon four matters.

First, the two leaders have agreed to push for the settlement of border negotiations.

“I welcome the reactivation of joint border committee for border management, including the reactivation of cross-border posts,” President Jokowi said in a joint press statement with PM Gusmao following the bilateral meeting.

Second, Indonesia and Timor-Leste have agreed to enhance economic cooperation. President Jokowi also expressed appreciation for the Government of Timor-Leste’s commitment to creating a better investment climate through investment protection agreement.

“I also appreciate Timor-Leste’s trust in Indonesian State-Owned Enterprises in various projects, such as the road construction in Oekusi and expansion of Dili International Airport,” he said.

Third, Indonesia and Timor-Leste have also decided to promote cooperation to improve telecommunication infrastructure in both countries.

“With the signing of MoU on information technology cooperation, we also push for telecommunication infrastructure cooperation, including fiber optic investment plan,” President Jokowi said.

As for regional cooperation, Indonesia has affirmed commitment to continuously supporting Timor-Leste’s full membership in ASEAN.

“We also discussed the issue of Myanmar and the two countries have agreed to support Laos’ Chairmanship of ASEAN this year in promoting the implementation of the 5PC [Five-Point Consensus],” President Jokowi said while expressing appreciation for PM Gusmao’s visit to Indonesia.

“It is an honor for Indonesia to receive the first state visit from Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao since he was inaugurated last July. It shows that the relation between Timor-Leste and Indonesia has become stronger,” he remarked. (KS/UN) (DH/LW)