Government of Timor-Leste

Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão paid an official visit to Malaysia on December 2^nd, 2024, at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The visit's main objective was to strengthen bilateral relations, formalise important cooperation agreements, and discuss the process of Timor-Leste's full membership in ASEAN in 2025.

During the bilateral meeting at the Perdana Putra Palace in Putrajaya, the two Heads of Government witnessed the signing of three cooperation agreements: the Visa Waiver Agreement for holders of diplomatic and service passports, the Agreement on the location of the Malaysian Embassy premises in Dili and the start of Batik Air operations between Dili and Kuala Lumpur.

At the same meeting, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reaffirmed his “full support for Timor-Leste's ascension as a permanent member of ASEAN”, which he hopes will materialise “next year, in 2025, when [Malaysia] chair[s] ASEAN’. Anwar Ibrahim assured that his Government will do “everything necessary to help Timor-Leste so that this process can be further facilitated and accelerated”.

The Chief of the Malaysian Executive expressed his wish for “the economic, political and cultural success of Timor-Leste and the strengthening of bilateral relations with Malaysia, as well as within ASEAN”.

Regarding bilateral cooperation, Anwar Ibrahim said that “Malaysia will expand its cooperation in all sectors, infrastructure, services, agro-industry, livestock, poultry and halal” and that it will also ‘broaden this cooperation, including in defence and security”. “Cooperation in vocational training and higher education” will also be strengthened, announced the head of Malaysia's Government.

The Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, began “by expressing [his] sincere sympathy and solidarity with the people of Malaysia who have been affected by the recent devastating floods” and extended, “on behalf of the Government and the people of Timor-Leste”, the most profound condolences to the families who have suffered losses”.

The Chief of the Timorese Executive said that during the meeting, “the common commitment to continue strengthening our relations, which are based on respect, mutual trust and a vision of shared prosperity”, was reaffirmed, and expressed his gratitude “for Malaysia's commitment to help us navigate this important process, especially as it prepares to take over the ASEAN Presidency next month”.

Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão was also welcomed by His Majesty the King of Malaysia, Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar, at the National Palace in Kuala Lumpur.

While still in the capital of Malaysia, the Prime Minister gave a public lecture at the Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations (IDFR) entitled “International Diplomacy in a Fragmented and Fragile World”. In his speech, Xanana Gusmão stressed the need for dialogue, reconciliation, and courage to face global and regional challenges.

“War is a major concern in the world today. This institute is a training ground for diplomats from different countries. So, we need to keep reminding diplomats to mould their thinking about promoting peace in the world”, said the Prime Minister.

As part of the promotion of economic partnerships, Xanana Gusmão took part in a dinner with Malaysian investors, organised by the Vice Prime Minister of Timor-Leste, Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, where investment opportunities were explored in the tourism, agro-industry and renewable energy sectors.

The national delegation, led by Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão, also included the Vice Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs and Minister of Tourism and Environment, Francisco Kalbuadi Lay; the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito dos Santos Freitas; the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Culture, José Honório da Costa Pereira Jerónimo; the Minister of Health, Elia A. A. dos Reis Amaral; the Vice Minister for ASEAN Affairs, Milena Maria da Costa Rangel; the Secretary of State for Social Communication, Expedito Dias Ximenes; the Timor-Leste's Ambassador to Malaysia, Lisualdo Gaspar; and Malaysia's Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Amarjit Sarjit Shin.