DILI, 12 january 2023 (TATOLI)— Indonesia and Timor-Leste discussed issues on increasing economic cooperation and settlement of land boundaries between the two countries.
The discussion was held between The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia, Retno Marsudi, and Timor-Leste Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Adaljiza Magno on january 11, 2022 in Indonesia.
“On the economic cooperation, the two Ministers of Foreign Affairs discussed the follow-up to the Joint Industrial Park development cooperation plan. In this regard, the two parties agreed to start discussing the establishment of a Joint Free Trade Zone agreement within the industrial area on the border between the RAEOA and Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT) Province,” said in a statement released by the TL Foreign Affairs office today.
In addition, both Ministries also discussed the importance of accelerating the completion of the Bilateral Investment treaty and the MoU on Information and Communication.
“In this regards the two Foreign Ministers agreed that efforts would be made to finalize the agreements this year so that they could be signed during the visit of the Prime Minister of Timor Leste, the time of which will be determined later,” the statement said.
Another important issue discussed was a Settlement of land boundaries, where Both countries’ Foreign Ministers agreed to push for efforts to settle discussions on two segments of the Indonesia – Timor Leste land border, namely: Bidjael Sunan – Oben and Noel Besi – Citrana.
“It was important to maintain conducive conditions so that negotiations could be continued,” said Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Retno.
While during the meeting, Minister Retno also explained Indonesia’s leadership priorities in ASEAN to Timor-Leste.
“As is well known, at the ASEAN Summit in Phnom Penh November 2022, ASEAN accepted Timor Leste’s membership in principle. A Roadmap for full membership will be created,”
The meeting between the two countries’ Foreign Affairs Ministers was after the implementation of the Annual Press Statement of the Foreign Affairs Minister. In the Annual Press Statement, Minister Retno explained the priorities of Indonesia’s chairmanship in ASEAN, which took the theme: “ASEAN Matters, Epicentrum of Growth”.
Journist : Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Nelia B.
