Welcome: Ramos-Horta driving Anwar (standing front in the car) and Gusmao in a Mini Moke, an open-top vehicle, in Dili at the start of Anwar’s two-day official visit. — Bernama
DILI (Timor-Leste): Timor-Leste President Dr Jose Ramos-Horta says the inaugural two-day visit by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim here is a testament to the enduring friendship between both nations, recalling Malaysia’s unwavering support during his country’s struggle for independence.
He said talks with the Malaysian Prime Minister were constructive and focused on the future, which included greater Malaysian investment in agribusiness, tourism and renewable energy, as well as education and vocational training for Timorese youth.
The president announced that Anwar will be conferred the Grand Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste, the nation’s highest award, in recognition of his long-standing advocacy and Malaysia’s role in supporting the country’s Asean aspirations, especially as the Asean Chair for 2025.
“This award honours his personal commitment and Malaysia’s pivotal support. Timor-Leste and Malaysia are not just neighbours but partners in building a united and prosperous South-East Asia,” he said during their joint press briefing at the Presidential Palace here yesterday, Bernama reported.
Anwar noted his long personal friendship with Ramos-Horta, calling the visit both official and personal, as well as significant, and rooted in the shared history of both countries and Malaysia’s consistent support before and after Timor-Leste’s independence.
The Prime Minister also stressed priorities in trade, investment, tourism, education and defence cooperation between both sides, while welcoming the involvement of PETRONAS and Malaysian private firms.
“Your (Timor-Leste) accession to Asean is only a matter of time. Malaysia looks forward to celebrating Timor-Leste’s membership at the Asean Summit in October,” he said.
Timor-Leste will be officially admitted as Asean’s 11th member at the 47th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur next month.
Earlier, Anwar was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Presidential Palace, marking the start of his official engagements on the first day of a historic two-day visit.
The welcome ceremony, led by Ramos-Horta, featured the national anthems of both countries accompanied by a 19-cannon salute.
Anwar then inspected a guard-of-honour and signed the Visitor’s Book, before proceeding to a four-eyed meeting with the president.
Also present were Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil and Wisma Putra secretary-general Datuk Seri Amran Mohamed Zin.
Anwar was scheduled to attend a pre-council meeting before heading to a Madani engagement session with the Malaysian diaspora and alumni of the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme and Malaysian Defence Cooperation Programme.
This will be followed by an official dinner co-hosted by Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao.
