Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia Prior to Bilateral Meeting with Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste Taur Matan Ruak at the Bogor Presidential Palace, February 13, 2023

Welcome back to Indonesia Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak and delegates, I am glad that we can meet again. I also received a visit from President Ramos Horta in July last year. Such intensity of the visits shows a commitment to continue strengthening the relations and cooperation between us.

I am glad that in principle Timor-Leste has been accepted as a member of ASEAN. At the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ meeting this month, Foreign Minister of Timor-Leste has participated in the meeting as an observer.

In the Prime Minister’s visit this time, I hope that we can discuss efforts to strengthen our economic cooperation. Before I begin, I invite Prime Minister Taur to make his opening remarks. The floor is yours.

(GWH/HD/MMB)