JAKARTA, Jul 20 (NNN-ANTARA) – Indonesian President, Joko Widodo, and the President of Timor-Leste, Jose Ramos-Horta, agreed to strengthen cooperation in the economic sector, during a bilateral meeting held here at the Bogor Presidential Palace, yesterday.
“We discussed various bilateral cooperation, in an open and friendly manner, and the commitment to strengthening economic cooperation is our focus,” Widodo said, in a press conference after the meeting.
The increase in trade between the two countries, which so far has a positive trend, is the first agreement, while strengthening land and sea connectivity is the second.
The two countries will launch a bus route for Indonesia’s Kupang to Timor-Leste’s Dili, and open a ship route for Kupang-Dili-Darwin soon.
Strengthening border development is the third topic, Widodo said, stressing the importance of the two countries re-imposing the Joint Border Committee.
Another agreement concerns the commitment of Indonesian companies to participate in development in Timor-Leste, including in the infrastructure sector.
The value of Indonesia’s investment in Timor-Leste currently reaches 818 million U.S. dollars, including in the banking, oil, gas and telecommunications sectors, Widodo said.
Widodo also stressed the importance of the two countries to immediately conclude negotiations, on the two remaining land border segments, namely Noel Besi-Citrana and Bijael Sunan-Oben.
On the same occasion, Ramos-Horta said that, the agreements reflected the desire and commitment of the two countries to continue the relationship that had been built for 20 years.
“We are very grateful for Indonesia’s support in development in Timor-Leste, in various fields and we would like to see improvements in trade and economic relations,” said Ramos-Horta.– NNN-ANTARA
