Dian Kusumo
IDXChannel - President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo held a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Timor-Leste, Taur Matan Ruak during the 42nd ASEAN Summit in Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), on Tuesday (9/5/2023).
Indonesian Minister for Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi, in her statement after accompanying President Joko Widodo in the bilateral meeting, said that the President emphasized the importance of economic cooperation, particularly in the border areas between the two countries. This had also been discussed during the Timor-Leste PM's visit to Jakarta some time ago.
Both leaders agreed to form a joint working group that would prepare for the development of the economic region in the border area of the two countries. "Just like with Vietnam, we see an increasing number of investments from both countries. Therefore, Indonesia has proposed that the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) is immediately drafted or discussed between the two countries," said Retno.
President Joko Widodo also reminded the importance of resolving the border negotiation issue promptly.
Prime Minister of Timor-Leste, Taur Matan Ruak, also expressed gratitude for Indonesia's support of Timor-Leste's membership in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
