On October 10th, 2024, the Governments of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste and the Republic of Indonesia strengthened their bilateral relations with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on development cooperation. The agreement was signed by the Minister of Planning and Strategic Investment of Timor-Leste, Gastão Francisco de Sousa, and the Minister of National Development Planning/National Development Planning Agency of Indonesia (Bappenas), Suharso Monoarfa, during a ceremony held in Jakarta, Indonesia. 
The Memorandum establishes a framework for cooperation in several strategic areas for the sustainable development of both countries, including infrastructure, human capital, the economy, clean energy and digital transformation. The parties also agreed to promote the exchange of information and good practices to facilitate the implementation of joint projects in the transport, education and vocational training, trade and climate change mitigation sectors.
Minister Gastão de Sousa said, “Indonesia and Timor-Leste have a very close relationship in several aspects, both in history and in economy and culture, which makes the relationship between the two countries exceptional”. He added that “this cooperation is based on the principles of equality, mutual respect and mutual benefits”. The Minister also argued that “working together, we can achieve our respective development priorities more effectively and inclusively”. 
“We hope that through cooperation in infrastructure, clean energy, sustainable development and various other sectors, we can create a real impact that the people of both countries will feel. We hope this collaboration will continue to grow and provide the greatest benefits for our nation’s progress”, said Gastão de Sousa.
Minister Suharso Monoarfa stressed that “this Memorandum of Understanding establishes a solid basis for strategic cooperation to support the realisation of the development priorities and objectives of the two countries, particularly concerning the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”. The Minister also said that “the agreement establishes opportunities for collaboration in various sectors, through initiatives such as the exchange of information, the sharing of best practices, capacity building, technical cooperation and research”.
The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding represents an important step in strengthening bilateral relations between Timor-Leste and Indonesia. This agreement is hoped to contribute to both countries’ economic development, social progress, and general well-being.