DILI, 23 September 2025 (TATOLI) – President José Ramos-Horta received the Prime Minister of Malaysia, The Honourable Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, on his official visit to Timor-Leste. The Prime Minister is undertaking a two-day official visit to Timor-Leste, between 23 and 24 September, upon the invitation of the President of Timor-Leste and Nobel Peace Laureate, José Ramos-Horta, and the Prime Minister of Timor-Leste, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão.
This official visit aims to exchange views on Timor-Leste’s formal accession into ASEAN, scheduled to take place on 26 October in Kuala Lumpur, as well as to strengthen bilateral relations and economic, social, and cultural cooperation between the two countries.
In 2003, former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad undertook an official visit to Timor-Leste just before leaving office, when Malaysia participated in peace operations under the umbrella of the United Nations. More than 200 Malaysian police served in various capacities in UNPOL and FPU.
During that visit, the Economic, Technical, Scientific and Cultural Agreement was signed, reflecting the importance and strong commitment of both nations to strengthening their bilateral relationship.
Additionally, Malaysia donated 32 military trucks, weapons, and ammunition to the F-FDTL. As a sign of friendship, Timor-Leste ceded a block of land to Malaysia for the future construction of the Embassy of Malaysia in Dili.
President Ramos-Horta welcomed Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim for a Courtesy Meeting at the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace. The President extended a reception befitting a Head of State, including a gun salute.
“It is with immense pleasure that I welcome my dear friend, Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, to Timor-Leste. His visit is a powerful reaffirmation of the profound and enduring friendship between our nations—a bond forged in solidarity and sustained by shared values,” stated President José Ramos-Horta. “Our relationship is anchored in a common commitment to democracy, justice, and mutual respect. Malaysia’s steadfast support was instrumental during the most critical junctures of our history: in the period leading to the restoration of our independence, throughout the political crisis of 2006, and in its tireless advocacy for Timor-Leste’s membership in ASEAN.”
President Ramos-Horta held bilateral meetings with Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, reaffirming the warm friendship between Timor-Leste and Malaysia and their shared commitment to a peaceful and prosperous Southeast Asia.
As Timor-Leste prepares to accede as ASEAN’s 11th member at the 47th ASEAN Summit in October 2025, both sides will continue close coordination with ASEAN to meet the remaining roadmap milestones.
Journalist: Camillio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
