Malaysia, Timor-Leste To Advance Comprehensive Strategic Framework – Ramos-Horta

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 12 (Bernama) -- Timor-Leste’s President Dr José Ramos-Horta has reiterated the country’s commitment to strengthening relations with Malaysia, noting that both nations are moving towards a comprehensive strategic framework built on a deeply-rooted history of support and cooperation.

The President said he and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, during a meeting in Kuala Lumpur recently, have agreed to advance bilateral ties by developing a comprehensive framework anchored in Malaysia’s longstanding support for Timor-Leste, from its crucial role during the 1999 Popular Consultation to ongoing cooperation in defence, health and education.

The President said this in his speech at a reception to mark Malaysia’s 68th Anniversary of Independence and 62nd Malaysia Day in Dili, last week. 

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His speech at the event was made available on the official Facebook page of the Timor-Leste Presidency. 

The event, held at the Dili Convention Centre (CCD), was hosted by Malaysian Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Datuk Amarjit Sarjit Singh, and his wife, Datin Param Git Kaur Pauja Singh.

In his address, the president praised Malaysia as a prosperous, just and tolerant nation. He highlighted this year’s anniversary theme, “Malaysia MADANI: Rakyat Disantuni”, as a genuine reflection of the values guiding Malaysian society, and acknowledged the country’s economic growth and stability.

He expressed gratitude to Ambassador Amarjit Singh for his contribution in strengthening bilateral ties, particularly in resolving the long-standing land issue for Malaysia’s future embassy in Dili.

He further described the inauguration of the Batik Air direct route between Kuala Lumpur and Dili as a “historic milestone” that enhances connectivity, while underlining Malaysia’s central role in supporting Timor-Leste’s full integration into ASEAN, with formal accession expected at the Kuala Lumpur Summit in October.

Looking ahead, Ramos-Horta pointed to opportunities for cooperation in strategic projects such as the Tasi Mane Project and the Greater Sunrise Gas Field, including a possible partnership with Malaysia’s PETRONAS.

Meanwhile, in a statement, the Embassy of Malaysia in Dili said the celebration was attended by several members of the 9th Constitutional Government, ASEAN and other heads of diplomatic missions, as well as senior government officials. 

Guests also included representatives of United Nations (UN) agencies and international organisations, the academia, the private sector, the Malaysian diaspora, and Friends of Malaysia, including alumni of the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) and Malaysian universities.

The embassy said guests at the reception were also treated to a wide array of Malaysian culinary delights in honour of Malaysia’s twin national celebrations, which mark Merdeka Day on Aug 31 and Malaysia Day on Sept 16.

-- BERNAMA