Indonesia and Timor Leste Eye Stronger Economic Partnerships

Indonesia and Timor Leste are committed to strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in economic partnerships.

IDXChannel - Indonesia and Timor Leste are committed to strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in economic partnerships.

Indonesia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Sugiono hosted Timor-Leste’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Bendito dos Santos Freitas in Jakarta on Monday (3/3/2025).

"The partnership between Indonesia and Timor-Leste continues to grow in a spirit of brotherhood. We want to ensure that this cooperation provides tangible benefits for the people of both countries," said Sugiono.

On economic cooperation, Sugiono commended the increasing economic cooperation between the two countries. Indonesia remains Timor-Leste's primary trading partner.

Trade between the two countries reached USD391 million in 2024, an increase of 12 percent.

"I appreciate the progress in the Bilateral Investment Treaty negotiations. Accelerating investment permits for Indonesian businesses, including state-owned enterprises operating in Timor-Leste, is crucial to fostering closer economic cooperation," Sugiono emphasized.

During the meeting, Minister Sugiono reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment as a development partner for Timor-Leste. Indonesia is ready to strengthen its support for Timor-Leste’s national development through further collaboration. 

Additionally, Indonesia reiterated its support for Timor-Leste’s full membership in ASEAN, including through capacity-building programs. 

"Timor-Leste is part of the ASEAN family, and Indonesia is ready to support its full integration," Sugiono added. (Wahyu Dwi Anggoro)