"On behalf of the people of Timor Leste, I wish to express thanks for this honor. This token of appreciation has been given for a small contribution that I have made to strengthen the relations between the two countries," Xanana said in a short speech after receiving the medal.
The medal was presented by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on the sidelines of the 7th Bali Democracy Forum.
"Today is indeed a special day and a meaningful one. We gather here to witness another milestone in the relations between Indonesia and the Democratic Republic of Timor Leste," President Yudhoyono said before presenting the medal.
President Yudhoyono expressed appreciation to Xanana Gusmao whom he considered as having contributed to strengthening the bilateral relations between Indonesia and Timor Leste.
Xanana Gusmao has demonstrated his strong commitment and seriousness in building the foundation for the bilateral relations between the two countries, he said.
"Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao and I have often met on various occasions to discuss numerous issues including ways to increase cooperation between Indonesia and Timor Leste," he said.
"I have to say that under Xanana Gusmaos leadership Indonesia and Timor Leste have become not only good neighbors but also good friends," he said.
Xanana Gusmao deserved the Adipurna medal because under his government the bilateral relations between the two countries have become stronger, he said.
"In view of that and for his extraordinary efforts in improving the bilateral relations between Indonesia and Timor Leste, we present the Adipurna medal to Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao. This is the highest medal of appreciation from the Indonesian government for a friend from a friendly country," he said.
On the occasion, President Yudhoyono said that Indonesia and Timor Leste have so far signed at least 49 agreements.
Economic cooperation between the two countries has also continued to increase at an average rate of 12.7 percent a year in the past five years.
"In August this year we established an Indonesia-Timor Lester Friendship Forum aimed at building strong interactions between the peoples of the two countries," he said.
"The positive developments showed that the relations between the countries have been improving," he said.
He said, future relations between Indonesia and Timor Leste would be marked by greater mutual confidence, mutual understanding, democratic values, equality and common welfare.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2014
