Malaysia and Timor-Leste strengthen ties with land gift
Zahid expressed deep appreciation for this significant gesture, highlighting its potential to significantly strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations.
SHAH ALAM – In his recent official visit to the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi praised the trip as a success.
The visit, which took place from Aug 28 to 30, saw Zahid engage in productive discussions with key Timorese leaders, including President José Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão.
A key moment of the visit was the Timor-Leste Government’s generous gift of a 6,000-square-metre plot of land to Malaysia.
Zahid expressed deep appreciation for this significant gesture, highlighting its potential to significantly strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations.
“We are also deeply appreciative of the Timor-Leste Government’s generous gift of a 6,000-square-metre plot of land, a gesture that will significantly strengthen our bilateral ties,” Zahid stated.
The discussions between the two nations emphasised several key areas for collaboration, including rural development, housing planning, and the halal industry. These sectors were highlighted as crucial, particularly in light of Timor-Leste’s anticipated ASEAN membership and its expanding international tourism sector.
Zahid also addressed the need to boost bilateral trade and encouraged greater involvement from the private sector. He proposed that TradeInvest Timor-Leste undertake a trade and investment mission to Malaysia to explore potential opportunities for both countries.
"Additionally, there is a need to intensify efforts to boost bilateral trade, with greater involvement from the private sector. I propose that TradeInvest Timor-Leste undertake a trade and investment mission to Malaysia to explore potential investment opportunities for both nations," he said in a press statement.
"Malaysia, through the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP), remains steadfast in its commitment to sharing its development experience and expertise with Timor-Leste under the framework of South-South Cooperation.
"To date, Malaysia has trained 781 Timorese participants through various courses and technical assistance programmes," he said.
A recent Letter of Intent (LoI) between Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) and Timor-Leste’s Ministry of Higher Education will see the establishment of a new Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centre in Timor-Leste. UniKL has also committed to offering 50 scholarships to Timorese students for Master’s and PhD studies.
Zahid’s visit coincided with the 25th Anniversary of the Referendum (Popular Consultation Day) at Timor-Leste’s National Parliament, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s history.
“On behalf of Malaysia, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Government and people of Timor-Leste on this momentous 25th Anniversary of the Referendum. May Timor-Leste continue to flourish in prosperity, peace, and well-being,” Zahid said.
In concluding his visit, Zahid requested the assistance of the Halal Development Corporation (HDC) and the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) to help establish a halal certification body for the Muslim community in Timor-Leste, discussed during Friday prayers at Masjid An-Nur in Dili.
Overall, Zahid’s visit has highlighted Malaysia’s commitment to deepening ties with Timor-Leste through significant gestures, strategic collaborations, and mutual development initiatives.
