Horta and Gunawan met during celebrations marking the anniversary of Timor-Leste's Independence Day in the country on Thursday.
"Mr. Ramos Horta applauded Indonesia, acknowledging the country as the best democracy following its success in carrying out the simultaneous Regional Head Elections in a peaceful and smooth manner," Gunawan said at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base in Jakarta.
The minister highlighted that the smooth running of the elections is not a trivial feat, considering that the local polls drew participation from a large number of citizens and candidate pairs from across Indonesia.
President Horta's praise is understandable since Indonesia had to simultaneously organize voting over its vast territory, he observed.
In addition to commending the Indonesian government, he said, Timor-Leste expressed its keenness to tap into more potential bilateral cooperation in various sectors to further strengthen its ties with Indonesia.
"During the meeting, we also talked about various things, with a special focus on viable ways to enhance and broaden our bilateral cooperation in all fields," he pointed out.
Furthermore, the minister underlined that President Prabowo Subianto is looking forward to visiting Timor-Leste to forge an even stronger partnership and cooperation with the country.
He also expressed optimism about Indonesia and Timor-Leste taking their bilateral ties to the next level.
Earlier on the same day, Gunawan made a brief state visit to Timor-Leste at the instruction of President Prabowo and the invitation of the government of Timor-Leste.
The minister said that he received a state welcome from President Horta and his aides.
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Translator: Walda M, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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