Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia and Timor-Leste have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation in strategic planning and investment in sustainable development.

Indonesia's Ministry of National Development Planning/National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) stated that, under this cooperation, both parties will exchange knowledge on designing strategic steps to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

"The cooperation will focus on strengthening basic infrastructure development, sustainable cities, agriculture, village development, and tourism," Minister of National Development Planning Suharso Monoarfa said during the MoU signing in Jakarta on Thursday.

This will be followed by efforts to promote affordable and clean energy, healthcare, digital development, social inclusion, disaster mitigation, climate change, and private sector investment.

Monoarfa added that the MoU also signifies both countries' commitment to building human resource capacity in the planning sector through training programs and internships.

"There will be internships at the Bappenas office or Bappenas Institute. Rather than seeking internships abroad, they can learn here in Indonesia," he said.

He noted that the MoU continues the framework of various other programs, such as student exchanges, cultural cooperation, and partnerships between universities in Indonesia and Timor-Leste.

The MoU could also create opportunities for several Indonesian private companies to invest in Timor-Leste, Monoarfa added.

Meanwhile, Timor-Leste's Minister of Planning and Strategic Investment, Gastão de Sousa, expressed hope that the cooperation would strengthen the relationship between the two countries and bring tangible benefits to their people.

"In our 22 years of independence, we still have much to learn, especially in planning. We must improve our ability to execute better planning, particularly in infrastructure development, followed by other sectors such as health and education," he said.

Related news: Indonesia reaffirms support for Timor-Leste ASEAN accession
Related news: Indonesia's 701 pilgrims to join Pope Francis mass in Timor-Leste