He then highlighted that under President Jokowi's administration, Indonesia had been enjoying harmonious relations with Timor-Leste.
Bogor (ANTARA) - Prime Minister of Timor-Leste Xanana Gusmao, on Friday, extended his congratulations to Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) for his 10th year of service as the head of state of the Republic of Indonesia.

"I am delighted that during this visit, I have the opportunity to directly convey my congratulations to Mr. President for his 10 years of leadership as the president of Indonesia," Gusmao remarked during a joint press statement at the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java.

In his speech, the prime minister also lauded President Jokowi for his invitation and warm welcome.

Gusmao, once again appointed as Timor-Leste's head of government in July last year, expressed hope that Indonesia would successfully hold the upcoming festival of democracy, the 2024 General Elections.

The prime minister noted that Indonesia is among the biggest democracies in the world, adding that the Southeast Asian country will always gives hope to multitude of people.

He then highlighted that under President Jokowi's administration, Indonesia had been enjoying harmonious relations with Timor-Leste.

Gusmao further expressed belief that the next leaders of Indonesia would continue to maintain the sound level of relations fostered between the two neighboring countries.

He also made the most of his speech to extend his appreciation to President Jokowi for Indonesia's full support for Timor-Leste's accession to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

"I would like to end my speech by extending my gratitude to President Jokowi for Indonesia's support for Timor-Leste's journey toward becoming a full member state of the ASEAN," he concluded.

Earlier, Gusmao arrived at the Bogor Presidential Palace at around 9 a.m. local time and was directly welcomed by President Jokowi in the palace's front yard.

The two leaders then held a bilateral meeting to discuss various matters, including their countries' border lines.

During the meeting, President Jokowi once again reiterated Indonesia's commitment to supporting Timor-Leste's full accession to the ASEAN.

Gusmao's earlier visit to Indonesia was during his participation at the 43rd ASEAN Summit in Jakarta in September last year.

Translator: Mentari D, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Arie Novarina
Copyright © ANTARA 2024