Malaysia and Timor-Leste have agreed to strengthen cooperation across multiple sectors, including trade, education, health, tourism and security as Dili prepares to join Asean as its 11th member.
Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao said the visit of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim marked an important milestone in bilateral relations since diplomatic ties were established in 2002.
00:00This official visit marks an important milestone in the friendship between our two countries,
00:09which has continued to grow since we established diplomatic relations in 2002.
00:21Our talks today were warm and productive.
00:23We agreed to further enhance our bilateral relations across multiple sectors,
00:33including trade and investment, higher education, health and tourism.
00:42This reflect our strong political trust and shared commitment to deeper engagement.
00:49We recognize the role of education and training in preparing our young people for the future,
00:59agreeing to new programs, scholarships and partnerships between institutions.
01:08Connectivity between our countries is another high priority.
01:16The new services between Kuala Lumpur and Delhi, together with the visa waiver for Malaysians visiting Timor-Leste,
01:28will make it easier for our citizens to travel, to work together and to discover opportunities in each other's countries.
01:39Malaysia has been a consistent supporter of Timor-Leste membership of ASEAN.
01:48Today, I express Timor-Leste's deep gratitude to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for his strong and steadfast support.
02:00It is of particular significance for us that he will, we will, we will become a member of ASEAN at the upcoming summit in October under his chairmanship.
02:17We recognize the significance of Timor-Leste, during Malaysia's term as a chair.
02:26Malaysia's unwavering support will not be forgotten by our people.
02:32On Palestine, we share the same voice in calling for an end to violence, respect for international law and a just solution that recognizes the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination.
02:50In closing, I want to thank Prime Minister Patu Sri Anwar Ibrahim for his visit, for the strong friendship of Malaysia and for the concrete steps.
03:08We have agreed that we will bring our nations, Timor-Leste and Malaysia, even closer.
03:17Thank you, Prime Minister Zananda Gusmao, for his visit, for his exchanges and for the friendship and for the trust.
03:26As you know, and reflected by his remarks, the relationship is quite exceptional based on trust, based on appreciation of each other's spirit, aspirations for democracy, for human rights and for the welfare and well-being of our peoples.
03:48We discuss mechanisms to enhance bilateral relations in investments, in trade, in tourism, in education, in health, in energy.
04:01So I think what we need to do is, of course, to follow through.
04:05And I've said that Malaysia will be here and Timor-Leste will be in Malaysia as friends to help and assist one another.
04:16And within ASEAN, of course, I'm delighted that Timor-Leste has done whatever is possible to accelerate the process because of certain conditions, pillars, rules, laws.
04:30And the Prime Minister has been extremely supportive in this venture and we have almost fulfilled all the requirements.
04:40And we are extremely delighted in Malaysia to be able to host that function where Timor-Leste will officially become a full member of ASEAN.
04:53And from there, we will move forward in enhancing many other arrangements.
04:59The level of trust is, I should say, almost maximum, which includes connectivity in terms of digital defense arrangements and procurement and training and sharing of information.
05:18Both our countries are maritime nations and we encounter almost similar problems of illegal fishing, intrusion and security.
05:30And I think, therefore, the collaboration will be of extreme importance to us.
05:38There's a period, of course, that we encounter the same fate of an emerging country, newly independent.
05:45And we do certainly recognize this in Timor-Leste.
05:50And we would certainly share whatever we can, assist wherever possible, as we will also benefit from Timor-Leste's experience and commitment for reforms.
06:04So, I think, let me just end with the remark on Myanmar.
06:11There has been engagement, which is something very positive, because I give credit to the leadership in Myanmar, Prime Minister General Mong Lai,
06:22because at least for a start, with the support of ASEAN, they stopped the bombings and therefore there is relative peace since the earthquake.
06:37And Malaysia, as you know, has extended help by setting up a field hospital, military hospital, on condition that no discrimination against any group.
06:52And they have accepted both.
06:54Your foreign minister was there for a visit to express this five-point consensus and the position ASEAN.
07:01I must thank Prime Minister for giving that support.
07:06And then Thailand, Cambodia, we are able to secure some amount of progress in terms of no escalation of violence.
07:18And this is done, of course, with the support of ASEAN countries.
07:23And on the international front, of course, we have been strong against atrocities committed by the Israeli regime in Gaza and Palestine.
07:34And we are saddened with the fact that despite the announcement about the recognition,
07:40the bombings and killings of children, babies, and women still continue.
07:44But coming from Timor-Leste, who understood better than many countries about the struggle, what it means to be free,
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