Government and Brunei discuss expanding and strengthening cooperation between the two countries
The Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Agio Pereira, welcomed today, September 28th, 2023, the Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam in Timor-Leste, Wan Hadfi Latif, to consolidate and broaden ties of friendship and cooperation between the two nations.
Since establishing diplomatic relations in 2002, the connection between Timor-Leste and Brunei has been characterised by a solid foundation of understanding and collaboration. The long-standing close relationship between the leaders, namely Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão and His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, has contributed significantly to the positive development of these friendly ties.
The diplomat recalled the official visit of Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão to Brunei in 2014, followed by another in 2017, reinforcing the mutual commitment to promoting more substantial cooperation between the two nations, especially since the establishment of Brunei’s diplomatic mission in Timor-Leste in 2015.
Wan Hadfi Latif also emphasised the similarities between Brunei and Timor-Leste, highlighting that both countries are small and the youngest in ASEAN. Furthermore, he highlighted the strong dependence of both nations on the gas and oil industry and their commitment to diversifying their economies.
The Ambassador expressed Brunei’s willingness to support Timor-Leste in several areas, including health – with the willingness to receive Timorese patients for specialised treatment –, education, sending Timorese students to schools in Brunei, with scholarships, and in development of the oil sector.
On the economic front, the Minister and the diplomat also discussed the authorisation granted this month by the Council of Ministers to sign a memorandum of understanding with Brunei Darussalam, which aims to allow Timorese workers to work in various industries in Brunei. They also discussed the recent interest of a Bruneian company in investing in Timor-Leste.
