Malaysia, Timor-Leste Deepen Ties In Telecommunications, Media Sector

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 25 (Bernama) -- Malaysia and Timor-Leste today strengthened their close and friendly relations with the signing of two significant memorandums of understanding (MoUs), marking a renewed commitment to enhancing cooperation in telecommunications and media.

The MoUs were signed by Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Timor-Leste’s Transport and Communications Minister Miguel Marques Gonçalves Manetelu and State Secretary for Social Communication Expedito Loro Dias Ximenes.

A joint statement from the Communications Ministry, Timor-Leste’s Transport and Communications Ministry and State Secretary for Social Communication said that the signing of the MoUs is a milestone that reflects the long-standing friendship and mutual trust between both nations, with Malaysia among the first countries to recognise Timor-Leste’s independence in 2002.

“Both countries reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation and promoting closer people-to-people ties.

“Malaysia and Timor-Leste also look forward to working together towards a more connected, resilient, and forward-looking Southeast Asian region,” it said.

According to the statement, the first MoU on telecommunications cooperation was signed between the Communications Ministry and Timor-Leste’s Transport and Communications Ministry.

The agreement highlights the shared commitment to strengthening telecommunications infrastructure, enhancing digital connectivity, and promoting the exchange of technical knowledge for the benefit of both nations.

The second MoU on information and media development, signed between the Communications Ministry and Timor-Leste’s State Secretariat for Social Communication, aims to foster professional collaboration through information exchange, news sharing and capacity-building initiatives for media professionals.

Earlier today, the Communications Ministry said in a statement that Malaysians in Timor-Leste can now enjoy seamless data roaming services at affordable rates, following the successful activation of the service by the country’s major mobile network operators this month.

According to the statement, beginning Oct 17, CelcomDigi, Maxis, TM, and U Mobile had successfully activated data roaming services in Timor-Leste, while YTL Communications commenced its service on Oct 24.

-- BERNAMA