JAKARTA — President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has reiterated that “Indonesia is always committed to participating in the development of infrastructure in Timor Leste.”
“We will encourage investment between the two countries,” he said in a joint press conference with Timor Leste Prime Minister Rui Maria de Araujo.
President Jokowi also said he will also try to encourage mutually beneficial trade relations between Indonesia and Timor Leste. He further said the issue of Indonesia-Timor Leste borders particularly two land borders is expected to be settled at the end of this year. Both countries will discuss the settlement of northern sea borders before the southern sea border, he said. “I think this can be solved quickly,” he said.
Timor Leste Prime Minister Rui Maria de Araujo meanwhile said the two countries had agreed to enhance cooperation in the field of economy, defense, education and culture.
“This will strengthen not only government-to-government relations but business-to-business ties as well,” he said.
To date, some 400 Indonesian private companies are operating in Timor Leste and 500 Indonesian students are studying in Timor Leste, he said.
He further lauded Indonesia for its commitment to conduct capacity building in the field of agriculture, fisheries, infrastructure and forestry. “We have signed two MoUs (Memorandum of Understanding) in the field of agriculture and forestry.,” he said. – Antara News
