The welcome ceremony was held at 11.00 AM Jakarta time, followed by a bilateral talk between the two countries` leaders.
After that, the two leaders witnessed the signings of a number of memorandums of understanding (MoU) at the State Palace.
Among the MoUs signed by representatives of the two countries were related to decentralization technical cooperation, educational cooperation, diplomatic training program, and capacity building in public works.
Xanana Gusmao`s meeting with President Yudhoyono was ended with lunch at the State Palace.
Presidential spokesman, Teuku Faizasyah, said Gusmao`s courtesy call was meaningful for the two countries` relations and strengthen their cooperation both under the framework of commission for ministerial cooperation and recommendations of Truth and Friendship Commission.
Among the issues that the two leaders focused on were Timor Leste`s application for joining the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and multilateral cooperation, he said.
East Timor`s will to gain the ASEAN`s full membership status had ever been hinted by Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao in Bali on December 9, 2010.
At that time, Gusmao expected Timor Leste, formerly known as East Timor, to gain full membership in the regional organization during Indonesia`s presidency in 2011.
"It would be a cause for great satisfaction to all Timorese if our official request to join ASEAN is accepted during Indonesia`s presidency in 2011," he told participants of the third Bali Democracy Forum in Bali last December.
He said East Timor`s admission would help it contribute to regional security and stability.
"More than providing economic benefits, membership of ASEAN represents for Timor-Leste an opportunity to be an active agent in the promotion of regional peace and stability," he said.
Timor Leste`s admission during Indonesia`s leadership would not only be a "great symbolism" but would also provide "profound meaning" for Timor Leste, Indonesia, and ASEAN member states as a whole, he said.
"We wish to join in the common spirit that led to the creation of ASEAN and hope that future generations of Timorese contribute to a better world of widespread prosperity, in which democracy provides a voice to the weak and vulnerable, and where conflict and discord is replaced with dialogue," he said.
ASEAN currently has ten member countries. They are Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and Myanmar. (*)
Editor: Aditia Maruli Radja
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
