DILI (TIMOR-LESTE) (Bernama): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who has played a key role in advancing Timor-Leste's aspiration to join Asean, will begin his inaugural two-day official visit to the country on Tuesday (Sept 23).
The historic visit marks the first by a Malaysian Prime Minister to Timor-Leste in 22 years, further strengthening bilateral ties and supporting the nation's readiness to become Asean's 11th member.
Anwar is scheduled to arrive at Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport at 3pm local time, where he will be received by President Dr Jose Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao.
Joining the Malaysian delegation are Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin and Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, as well as senior officials from the Prime Minister's Department and the Foreign Ministry.
Malaysian Ambassador to Timor-Leste Datuk Amarjit Singh Sarjit Singh (pic) told Bernama and RTM that Anwar's official programme will begin with a ceremonial welcome at the Presidential Palace, followed by a courtesy call on President Ramos-Horta.
In the evening, he will attend an official state banquet hosted jointly by the President and the Prime Minister at Lahane Palace.
On the following day, Anwar will deliver a keynote address at the National Parliament, hold a bilateral meeting with his counterpart Gusmao at the Government Palace, witness the exchange of memoranda of understanding (MoUs), and hold a joint press conference.
He is also scheduled to meet with the Malaysian community and alumni of the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP), deliver a lecture in the Presidential Lecture series at the Presidential Palace, and officiate the site of the upcoming International Convention Centre in Dili.
Amarjit described the visit as highly significant, not only to reinforce close bilateral ties but also to highlight Malaysia's commitment as Asean chair in 2025 to support Timor-Leste's full membership in the regional bloc.
"Malaysia has consistently supported Timor-Leste even before its independence in 2002. This visit symbolises Malaysia's continued support for Timor-Leste's aspiration to join the ASEAN family," he said.
Malaysia-Timor-Leste bilateral trade reached RM85mil in 2024, with about 250 Malaysian companies operating in the country across the services, construction and trade sectors.
About 150 Malaysians, mainly professionals, entrepreneurs and skilled workers, are currently registered with the Malaysian Embassy in Dili.
People-to-people ties have also been boosted with travel facilitation measures. Since Aug 16, Malaysians enjoy visa-free entry to Timor-Leste, in line with Asean integration efforts to ease cross-border movement.
Timor-Leste formally applied to join Asean in 2011.
At the 46th Asean Summit, leaders agreed to admit the country as the bloc's 11th member at the 47th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur next month.
Having gained independence on May 20, 2002, Timor-Leste is now focusing on capacity building, economic development and regional diplomacy as part of its preparations for full Asean integration.
With a population of nearly 1.4 million, the country is working to harness its natural resources alongside tourism, coffee and fisheries sectors to strengthen its economic resilience. - Bernama
