DILI, 07 november 2023 (TATOLI) – President of the Republic, José Ramos Horta, met with the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam, Hassanal Bolkiah, at the Nurul Iman Palace in Bandar Seri Begawan on monday, during his official visit to Brunei Darussalam.
“The meeting resulted in an agreement to sign an MoU to allow companies in Brunei to hire workers from Timor-Leste in various sectors, but also to explore Timor-Leste’s potential,” the President of the Republic told reporters.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the Vice Prime Minister, the Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs, and the Minister of Tourism and Environment, Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, and his bruneian counterpart.
On september 19, 2023, the Council of Ministers authorized the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Timor-Leste, represented by the Vice Prime Minister, the Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs and the Minister of Tourism and Environment, and the Government of Brunei Darussalam, for a program to send workers from Timor-Leste to Brunei Darussalam.
During the meeting, the President of the Republic expressed his gratitude to Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah for the unwavering support and generosity of Brunei Darussalam.
The Head of State praised the Sultan’s strong and compassionate leadership over many years in maintaining Brunei Darussalam as a shining example of harmony and prosperity.
The President of the Republic expressed his desire to exchange views on various aspects of bilateral relations, including regional and global issues, and to explore ways to strengthen relations.
The Head of State also recognized the efforts of the Brunei Ambassador to Timor-Leste in expanding and deepening bilateral ties between the two countries.
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah expressed his interest in supporting Timor-Leste in various areas, such as hospitality, scholarships, and support for Timorese workers.
Participating in the meeting were Vice Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs and Minister of Tourism and Environment Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Bendito dos Santos Freitas, Vice Chief of the Joint General Staff of the Armed Forces Major General Calisto dos Santos “Coliati” and the Ambassador of Timor-Leste to Brunei Darussalam.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
