SEPANG: Timor-Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao arrived in Malaysia today to begin his three-day official visit, his first to the country after assuming the prime ministership on July 1, 2023.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the airplane carrying Xanana Gusmao and his delegation landed at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport at 7.16 pm, where they were greeted by Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Adam Adli Abdul Halim and Foreign Ministry Protocol Chief Datuk Yubazlan Yusof. Upon arrival, Xanana Gusmao inspected the guard of honour formed by 28 officers and personnel of the 1st Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment, led by Capt Mohd Masrur Hidayat Masri.
A statement released by Wisma Putra mentioned that Xanana Gusmao will be welcomed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at an official reception, followed by a bilateral meeting. The discussions are expected to focus on the progress of bilateral ties and potential cooperation in commerce and investment, the halal industry, education, capa
city building, and interconnectivity, along with regional and international issues of shared interest.
Both leaders are set to witness the signing of the Land Concession Agreement, where the Timor-Leste government will provide land for the development of the Malaysian Embassy Chancery complex in Dili. Additionally, they will oversee the exchange of visa exemption notes, granting visa exemptions to citizens of both countries.
During his visit, Xanana Gusmao is scheduled to have an audience with His Majesty, Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia. He will also present a general lecture on “International Diplomacy in an increasingly fragmented and fragile world” at the Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations (IDFR).
Wisma Putra stated that the visit aims to strengthen good and friendly ties and demonstrate Malaysia’s support for Timor-Leste’s aspiration to become a full member of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). The two-way trade between Malaysia and Timor-Leste in 2023 was recorded at US$4
3.7 million (RM196.7 million), with Malaysia’s exports to Timor-Leste at US$43.3 million (RM195.0 million), and imports from Timor-Leste at US$0.4 million (RM1.7 million).