JOINT STATEMENT FOR THE OFFICIAL VISIT OF THE PRIME MINISTER OF THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF TIMOR LESTE TO MALAYSIA 1 3 DECEMBER 2024

JOINT STATEMENT FOR THE OFFICIAL VISIT OF THE PRIME MINISTER

OF THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF

TIMOR-LESTE TO MALAYSIA

1-3 DECEMBER 2024

1. His Excellency Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste undertook an official visit to Malaysia from 1 to 3 December 2024 at the invitation of the Honourable Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia. During the said visit, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão had a bilateral meeting in Putrajaya on 2 December 2024 where both Leaders had a productive discussion on bilateral cooperation and issues of mutual concern. The meeting was held in the spirit of friendship and mutual respect, reflecting the warm and cordial bilateral relations between the two countries since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 2002.

2. Both Leaders expressed their satisfaction with the ongoing efforts to strengthen the friendly relations between Malaysia and Timor-Leste, as demonstrated by the exchange of high-level visits between the two countries such as the official visit of Honourable Dato' Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Rural and Regional Development of Malaysia to Timor-Leste, from 28 to 30 August 2024, the working visit of His Excellency Mariano Assanami Sabino Lopes, Vice Prime Minister, Minister Coordinator for Social Affairs and Minister of Rural Development and Community Housing of Timor-Leste to Malaysia from 6 to 8 May 2024, and the working visit of His Excellency Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, Vice Prime Minister and Minister Coordinator for Economic Affairs and Minister of Tourism and Environment of Timor-Leste to Malaysia from 3 to 6 December 2023.

3. Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further enhance the bilateral relations between the two countries. In this regard, the Leaders welcomed the establishment of the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) to be led at the Senior Officials' level, and looked forward to its inaugural meeting in the near future. The Bilateral Consultation will be the platform to discuss ways to enhance cooperation as well as to take stock of the progress of bilateral initiatives.

4. Malaysia expressed its utmost appreciation to the Government of Timor-Leste for the gift of a parcel of land for the development of its diplomatic premises in Dili. In this connection, the Leaders welcomed the signing of the Land Concession Agreement by both Ministers of Foreign Affairs, and Malaysia look forward to commence the development of its Embassy Complex at the earliest opportunity.

5. On the economic front, the Leaders recognised the potential of bilateral trade and investment opportunities. In order to further boost and diversify economic cooperation, the Leaders encouraged trade and investment promotion agencies of Malaysia and Timor-Leste to explore trade and investment opportunities in both countries. With the global Halal market valued at over USD 3 trillion, and only about 20 percent of its demand currently being met, Malaysia has expressed its readiness to assist Timor-Leste in developing a thriving Halal industry. This partnership aims to unlock immense potential, fostering shared growth and strengthening economic collaboration between our nations.

6. Both Leaders underscored the importance of capacity building programmes; and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), which can facilitate career development and support economic growth at both the individual and community levels. Towards this end, Malaysia expressed its commitment to providing scholarships and customised courses and trainings under the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme and the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development. These initiatives are part of the Government of Malaysia's effort to support Timor-Leste on its path to become a full member of ASEAN.

7. Both Leaders welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) and the Human Capital Development Fund Timor-Leste (FDCH) on 28 August 2024. The MoU will facilitate the mobility of Timor-Leste Government scholarship recipients to further their studies in Malaysia. To further strengthen the cooperation in the field of education and capacity-building, the Leaders looked forward to the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Higher Education in the near future.

8. The Prime Ministers acknowledged the importance of connectivity between Malaysia and Timor-Leste, which will be a catalyst to promote tourism and solidify people-to-people ties. In this respect, the Leaders are pleased with the signing of the Air Services Agreement (ASA) on 25 June 2024. The Leaders encouraged and will facilitate airlines from both countries to provide direct scheduled flights between Kuala Lumpur and Dili. Both Leaders welcomed the inaugural flight from Kuala Lumpur to Dili in the first Quarter of 2025 to be operated by Malindo Airways Sdn. Bhd. (Batik Air) which will pave the way for further collaboration in various sectors, such as tourism, trade, education and technology.

9. Both Leaders are encouraged by defence and security cooperation such as through the Malaysian Defence Cooperation Programme (MDCP) and peacekeeping task forces. Both countries agreed to strengthen existing collaboration and explore new areas of cooperation. With the objective to advancing defence cooperation, both Leaders looked forward to the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation in the near future for greater collaboration. On defence industry cooperation, both Leaders agreed for both countries to actively continue their engagements at the Defence Services Asia Exhibition and Conference (DSA), and Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA).

10. On Timor-Leste's accession to ASEAN, Prime Minister Anwar reiterated Malaysia's commitment to support Timor-Leste in its journey towards becoming a full member of ASEAN. Both Leaders underscored the importance of Timor-Leste's early accession to the ASEAN legal instruments and agreements as part of its full membership to ASEAN, as stipulated in the Roadmap for Timor-Leste's Full Membership in ASEAN. As the Chair of ASEAN in 2025, Prime Minister Anwar underscored Malaysia's commitment to working closely with ASEAN Member States and Dialogue Partners, to expedite Timor-Leste's accession process. Malaysia believes that Timor-Leste's membership will reinforce ASEAN's strategic goals by contributing to regional peace, stability, and development.

11. During the visit, both Leaders witnessed the Exchange of Notes on the Visa Exemption Arrangements between both countries on 2 December 2024. This milestone will not only fulfil one of the requirements under the Roadmap for Timor-Leste's Full Membership in ASEAN but also further promote the tourism sector and enhance people-to-people exchanges between Malaysia and Timor-Leste. This exemption applies to holders of diplomatic, official or service, and ordinary passports from both countries.

12. Both Leaders discussed the developments in Myanmar, and expressed deep concern over the escalation of conflicts and humanitarian situation. They strongly condemned the continued acts of violence against civilians and public facilities and called for immediate cessation, and urged all parties involved to take concrete action to immediately halt indiscriminate violence, denounce any escalation, exercise utmost restraint, ensure the protection and safety of all civilians and create a conducive environment for the delivery of humanitarian assistance and inclusive national dialogue. Both Leaders reaffirmed their support for the ASEAN Leaders' Five-Point Consensus (5PC), which remains the main reference to address the political crisis in Myanmar.

13. The two Leaders also discussed several regional issues, including the developments in the South China Sea. They underscored the importance of continued dialogue and the pursuit of peaceful resolutions in accordance with the universally recognised principles of international law including United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982.

14. Both Leaders stressed the urgent need for an immediate and permanent ceasefire to the ongoing conflict in Gaza as well as demand Israel to ensure unimpeded humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Both sides also reaffirmed their support for the establishment of an independent and sovereign state of Palestine, based on the pre-1967 borders, Palestine's full membership to the United Nations, in accordance with the UN Resolution A/RES/ES-10/24, and other relevant UN Resolutions.

15. Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão thanked Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the Government of Malaysia for the warm reception and hospitality extended to him and his delegation for the visit. Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão extended an invitation for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to undertake an Official Visit to Timor-Leste at the earliest opportunity.

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PUTRAJAYA

2 DECEMBER 2024

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