VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) said that Indonesia and Timor Leste are committed to strengthening economic cooperation between the two countries.

This was conveyed by President Jokowi during a press conference with the President of the Democratic Republic of Timor Leste, Jose Ramos-Horta, after holding a bilateral meeting at the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java, Tuesday (19/7/2022).

"We discussed various bilateral cooperation in an open and friendly manner, and the commitment to strengthening economic cooperation became the focus of the discussion," said President Jokowi.

First, President Jokowi continued, Indonesia and Timor Leste agreed to continue to increase trade between the two countries by looking at the trend of developing positive trade relations. Furthermore, the two countries also agreed to strengthen connectivity.

"We also agreed to strengthen connectivity, both land and sea, for the land route, I hope the launch of the Kupang Dili route bus route can be carried out soon. And for sea connectivity I assess the importance of opening the Kupang-Dili-Darwin Ship route," he said.

Third, President Jokowi and President Jose also agreed to strengthen border development. It is hoped that the construction of the Napan Integrated Cross-Border Post (PLBN) can be completed this year.

"I also encourage the joint border committee to be re-established," he continued.

Fourth, President Jokowi also conveyed the commitment of BUMN and Indonesian companies to participate in development in Timor Leste, including in the infrastructure sector.

Finally, President Jokowi encouraged the two countries to immediately complete the bilateral investment treaty.

"The value of Indonesia's investment in Timor Leste currently reaches US$ 818 million. Especially in the banking, oil and gas and telecommunications sectors," he said.

Please note, President Jose Ramos-Horta's visit to Indonesia is the first time since he was sworn in as President of the Democratic Republic of Timor Leste, 20 May 2022, or coincided with Timor Leste's Independence Day.

Ramos Horta won more than 62 percent of the vote and beat incumbent president Francisco Guterres who won about 37 percent of the vote. (RRI)