Malaysia, Timor-Leste Cooperation Supports Vision Of Connected Southeast Asia - Fahmi

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 25 (Bernama) -- The cooperation between Malaysia and Timor-Leste supports the broader regional vision of a more connected, united and progressive Southeast Asia, said Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.

He said the two nations deepened their partnership through two significant Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at enhancing telecommunications and media collaboration.

Through this partnership, he said Malaysia and Timor-Leste would share knowledge, exchange expertise and explore opportunities to further improve their telecommunications sectors for the benefit of their citizens.

“Reliable communication systems form the backbone of modern life, connecting communities, supporting education, creating economic opportunities and bringing people closer together,” he said in his speech at the signing ceremony of the MoUs here, today.

The first MoU was signed between Fahmi and Timor-Leste’s Transport and Communications Minister Miguel Gonçalves Manetelu on telecommunications cooperation, followed by the second MoU on information and media development signed between Fahmi and Timor-Leste’s Secretary of State for Social Communication Expedito Loro Dias Ximenes.

Present at the signing ceremony were Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa and Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin.

Fahmi said the first MoU underscored the mutual commitment of both countries to strengthen communication infrastructure and enhance collaboration in the vital sector.

He said major Malaysian mobile network operators, namely CelcomDG, Maxis, TM and U Mobile, have successfully enabled 4G data roaming services in Timor-Leste, effective Oct 17.

“The achievement was made possible through collaboration between the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and Timor-Leste’s National Communications Authority (ANC), as well as local operators Telkomsel, Telemor and Timor Telekom,” he added.

On the second MoU, Fahmi said Malaysia and Timor-Leste will exchange experiences and expertise in areas such as news sharing, capacity building and professional training for media practitioners.

A strong and responsible media plays a crucial role in informing the public, promoting transparency and fostering understanding between nations, saying that the cooperation would also encourage the sharing of stories that highlight the cultures, achievements and shared aspirations of both peoples, he said.

Meanwhile, Miguel Manetelu, in his speech, said the signing of the MoU with Malaysia would help Timor-Leste strengthen its telecommunications infrastructure and bridge the digital divide for its people.

He also expressed confidence that Malaysia’s experience in advancing digital connectivity would inspire Timor-Leste’s own efforts to build a resilient, technology-driven economy.

“This MoU paves the way for a comprehensive partnership that will allow us to expand knowledge and technical expertise, and to strengthen the capacity of our institutions and people,” he said.

Sharing the sentiment, Expedito Ximenes said the MoU in social communication reflected both countries’ commitment to strengthening collaboration in journalism, media exchange and public communication.

He said the partnership would open more avenues for training, knowledge sharing and cultural understanding between media institutions.

“Since Timor-Leste’s independence was restored in 2002, Malaysia has been a reliable and supportive partner, sharing our vision for a more resilient, informed and connected region. We reaffirm our friendship and mutual trust today,” he added.

-- BERNAMA