Next week the Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, will go on an official visit to Japan and Indonesia. This visit is an opportunity to further enhance Timor-Leste’s good relationship with both nations.

In Japan, the Prime Minister will meet his counterpart Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda and exchange notes concerning a loan from the Government of Japan to promote the economic stabilization and development efforts inTimor-Leste. The Minister of Finance, who is also travelling to Japan, will meet with officials in order to sign the related loan agreement.

In other meetings the Prime Minister will update Japanese officials on the progress of Timor-Leste and encourage further investment and interaction between the two nations. Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão will also address local and international media.

Following the visit to Japan the Prime Minister will travel directly to Jakarta, Indonesia for the 2nd Jakarta International Defense Dialogue (JIDD) hosted by the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. Along with other dignitaries including United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, the Prime Minister Gusmão, also Minister for Defense and Security, will deliver a keynote address on “Military Operations other than war: regional and national perspective”.

The JIDD is an important forum for Timor-Leste’s to strengthen security cooperation at multilateral and regional level.