"The partnership between Indonesia and Timor-Leste continues to grow with a spirit of brotherhood. We want to ensure that this cooperation provides concrete benefits for the people of both countries," Sugiono said in a statement released on Monday.
A number of cooperation topics were discussed during the meeting, including strengthening economic partnerships, resolving border issues, and supporting Timor-Leste's full membership in the ASEAN.
FM Sugiono praised the cooperation between the two countries in the economic sector, which has continued to grow. Indonesia is Timor-Leste's main trading partner, with the bilateral trade value recorded at USD391.3 million in 2024, an increase of 12.31 percent from the previous year.
"I appreciate the progress of the Bilateral Investment Treaty negotiations. Acceleration of Indonesian investment permits—including SOE (state-owned enterprise) operations in Timor-Leste—is very important to encourage closer economic cooperation," he said.
He emphasized Indonesia's commitment, as Timor-Leste's development partner, through further collaboration.
Indonesia is also supporting Timor-Leste's full ASEAN membership, including through capacity building programs, he said.
"Timor-Leste is part of the ASEAN family, and Indonesia is ready to support steps toward full integration," he added.
According to the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, development cooperation between Indonesia and Timor-Leste in recent years has continued to grow, including in diplomatic training, financial management reform, scholarships, and aquaculture development.
Regarding the border issue, the two foreign ministers committed to resolving the border issue constructively based on the spirit of good neighborliness and the principle of mutual respect.
"Complete border resolution will open up economic opportunities and increase connectivity for border communities," Sugiono said.
Before concluding the meeting, he reiterated Indonesia's commitment to continue strengthening its strategic partnership with Timor-Leste.
The two ministers also agreed to revitalize the Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) as a strategic forum at the foreign ministerial level to review and develop bilateral cooperation.
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Translator: Kuntum Khaira Riswan, Yashinta Difa
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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