Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia during Bilateral Meeting with President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste José Ramos-Horta, in Oval Room, Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java Province, July 19, 2022

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Once again, welcome to Indonesia, President Ramos-Horta and delegates. It is an honor for Indonesia to receive President Ramos-Horta’s first overseas visit. In this plenary meeting, I specifically want to address the strengthening of bilateral cooperation, especially in the economic sector. I will also briefly talk about some regional issues in this meeting. Before moving on [to the discussion], I invite President Ramos-Horta to deliver the introductory remarks.

President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste (José Ramos-Horta)

Thank you, Excellency.

Enormous pleasure privilege to visit Indonesia during your presidency. I have been to Indonesia numerous, numerous occasions, the first time ever was in 1974, where I met with Pak Malik. At that time, there were only two big Indonesian hotels, one… oh, three; Hotel Indonesia, Kartika Plaza and Kartika Chandra. I did not stay in any hotel, I stayed in some losmen. And, sometimes I traveled in Jakarta by becak. And I knew Gubernur El Tari very well, way back then. He was a good friend, so great. Some readers’ first book I read about Indonesia was by Bung Karno. I am a big fan of Bung Karno.

(RIF/MMB)