PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia and Timor-Leste are exploring opportunities to expand cooperation in various strategic areas, including the economy, trade and investment, to drive sustainable growth in both countries.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the matter was discussed during a luncheon with Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta, held in conjunction with the leader's special visit to Malaysia.
He said the discussions also touched on efforts to strengthen human capital development, education, as well as Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
"We also exchanged views on efforts to expand cooperation in the areas of economic and trade development, strategic investments, human capital development, education and technical training," he said in a Facebook post on Tuesday (June 16).
Anwar said Malaysia and Timor-Leste also explored new opportunities that could generate sustainable growth and create broader prospects for progress among the younger generations of both countries.
He said that as neighbouring countries and members of the wider Asean family, Malaysia welcomes efforts to strengthen regional ties based on the spirit of solidarity, mutual respect and shared responsibility in safeguarding the region's peace, stability and prosperity.
Anwar said Malaysia and Timor-Leste remain committed to further strengthening bilateral relations through strategic cooperation in various fields for the mutual benefit of the peoples of both countries.
"Hopefully, the close ties that have been forged will continue to be strengthened for the benefit of the peoples of Malaysia and Timor-Leste, as well as for the overall progress of Asean," he said.
Ramos-Horta arrived in Malaysia on June 13 for a five-day special visit.
Malaysia-Timor-Leste trade amounted to US$18.72mil (RM85.68mil) in 2024, with exports valued at US$18.37mil (RM84.06mil) and imports at US$0.35mil (RM1.62mil). – Bernama
