President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and his Timor Leste counterpart Taur Matan Ruak at a bilateral meeting in Jakarta on Friday reached an agreement to step up cooperation in various fields.
"We deserve to give full appreciation to the two heads of state who took initiative to increase bilateral cooperation because the people of the two countries need the improvement of their welfare," Thomas said here on Saturday.
He noted that after breaking away from Indonesia in 1999, Timor Leste remained expecting Indonesia to support the economy and welfare of its people, because the young country was riddled with economic problems.
"And with its present economic condition, it is not surprising that Timor Leste finds it important to build a stronger relationship with and cooperation Indonesia," he said.
The dean of Widya Mandira Catholic University`s Faculty of Economy pointed out that Indonesia and Timor Leste have have a distinctive relationship in the realms of politics, history, culture, economy and trade.
He expressed hope that the agreement to step up cooperation in various fields would contribute to an ever increasing progress of Timor Leste.
(T.SYS/B/O001/F001)
Editor: Aditia Maruli Radja
Copyright © ANTARA 2013
